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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of legitimacy
Some countries believe that a political process must come first, establishing transitional governance to provide legitimacy and cover for disarmament.
—
Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025
Frustrated youth have ensured that the election’s credibility will be questioned even when Suluhu is inevitably declared president, as will her legitimacy.
—Martin K.n Siele, semafor.com, 31 Oct. 2025
When clemency is wielded only to benefit the famous or well-connected, the public loses trust in its legitimacy and the people most deserving of a second chance get left behind.
—Khalil Cumberbatch, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
The trial determined the legitimacy of the company’s Chapter 11 filing.
—Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for legitimacy
Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025
Frustrated youth have ensured that the election’s credibility will be questioned even when Suluhu is inevitably declared president, as will her legitimacy.
—Martin K.n Siele, semafor.com, 31 Oct. 2025
When clemency is wielded only to benefit the famous or well-connected, the public loses trust in its legitimacy and the people most deserving of a second chance get left behind.
—Khalil Cumberbatch, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
The trial determined the legitimacy of the company’s Chapter 11 filing.
—Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for legitimacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legitimacy
Noun
-
The administration now plans to seek a full review next term on the lawfulness of the executive order itself.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Aug. 2025
-
The High Court of Justice in London dismissed claims from the Wikimedia Foundation, which challenged the lawfulness of the categorization system used to determine which sites must comply with obligations.—
Jon Brodkin,
ArsTechnica,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Critics challenge legality of US’ LatAm strikes The US struck four more vessels alleged to be carrying drugs in the eastern Pacific, part of a military campaign that analysts say is drastically expanding American presidential power.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
31 Oct. 2025
-
However, the organization stands by its ethics and defends the legality of its methods.—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Legitimacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legitimacy. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share