Synonyms of legitimacy

legitimacy

noun

li-ˈji-tə-mə-sē 

as in lawfulness

the quality or state of being legal

the legitimacy of the military dictatorship was not recognized by most other nations

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lawfulness
• legality
• rightfulness
• rightness
• permissibility
• permissibleness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• illegality
• illegitimacy
• unlawfulness
• wrongfulness
• immorality
• wickedness
• wrongness
• badness
• sinfulness
• criminality
• iniquity
• unconstitutionality
• unjustness
• iniquitousness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of legitimacy

Accountability is not the same as independence Senate confirmation gives Schwartz a measure of democratic legitimacy. — Nahid Bhadelia, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2026

Turkey is one of, if not the closest, ally of Sharaa, having saved his forces from destruction in 2020 and granted him key international legitimacy. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 18 Aug. 2026

The information was later circulated online and became part of broader efforts to challenge the legitimacy of the 2020 election. — Drew Askeland, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

For podcasts, authors provide legitimacy to any topic, and their insights – based on the wisdom mined from their book research – can make for an enlightening and lively discussion. — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026