as in lawfulness
the quality or state of being legal
the legitimacy of the military dictatorship was not recognized by most other nations
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of legitimacy
The legitimacy of our justice system depends on the public’s belief that the rules apply evenly, regardless of party, ideology or notoriety.
—
Doug Friednash, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026
Such partners can offer limited support in terms of soft power, lending a veneer of legitimacy and unity against Iran.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 6 Mar. 2026
Data brokers collect your personal information legitimately, while hackers and identity thieves don’t attempt legitimacy.
—Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 5 Mar. 2026
But the appointment of someone who has no religious credentials at all would be a final act of self-delegitimation for a regime that already lacks legitimacy in the eyes of most Iranians.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legitimacy
Doug Friednash, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026
Such partners can offer limited support in terms of soft power, lending a veneer of legitimacy and unity against Iran.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 6 Mar. 2026
Data brokers collect your personal information legitimately, while hackers and identity thieves don’t attempt legitimacy.
—Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 5 Mar. 2026
But the appointment of someone who has no religious credentials at all would be a final act of self-delegitimation for a regime that already lacks legitimacy in the eyes of most Iranians.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legitimacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legitimacy
Noun
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The petitions are not contesting removal orders, only the lawfulness of detaining the noncitizen plaintiffs during those proceedings.—
Tasha Carvell,
Twin Cities,
3 Feb. 2026
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The lawfulness of an order would be determined by a military judge.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The question over the program’s legality centers on the source of the funds.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
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But this isn’t about legality or morality.—
Jason Jones,
New York Times,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Legitimacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legitimacy. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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