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

Kemigisa said that Oyo left behind a young son whose identity would be unveiled at the right time, casting doubt on the legitimacy of Nyabongo and the decision of the Babiito to choose him. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

That defense reflects the administration’s broader argument that its election proposals are intended to prevent fraud and protect electoral legitimacy, not undermine it. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026

Despite questions about the UN’s legitimacy and its increasing marginalization, Forti insists that the United Nations still matters. — Max Saltman, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026

The projection After a decent (albeit expensive) offseason, San Jose’s rebuild is starting to earn some legitimacy. — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2026