legitimate 1 of 2

legitimate

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word legitimate different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of legitimate are lawful, legal, and licit. While all these words mean "being in accordance with law," legitimate may apply to a legal right or status but also, in extended use, to a right or status supported by tradition, custom, or accepted standards.

a perfectly legitimate question about taxes

When is it sensible to use lawful instead of legitimate?

The synonyms lawful and legitimate are sometimes interchangeable, but lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon).

the lawful sovereign

When can legal be used instead of legitimate?

While in some cases nearly identical to legitimate, legal applies to what is sanctioned by law or in conformity with the law, especially as it is written or administered by the courts.

legal residents of the state

In what contexts can licit take the place of legitimate?

Although the words licit and legitimate have much in common, licit applies to a strict conformity to the provisions of the law and applies especially to what is regulated by law.

the licit use of drugs by doctors

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 legitimate
Adjective
In response, elites double down, weaponizing the claim of misinformation to legitimate the stifling of debate. Jacob Hale Russell, TIME, 4 Mar. 2025 Channeling their legacy of opposing power politics, internationalism and international organization would legitimate the American domination of power politics like no lone nationalism or limited alliance could. Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 9 Feb. 2025
Verb
This is not an insurmountable margin, but the Royals’ current position is cause for legitimate concern. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2025 These can look like legitimate banking tools, crypto apps or browser updates. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for legitimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legitimate
Adjective
  • Assembling Your Governance Committee A cross-functional steering committee is vital, including legal, compliance, data, cybersecurity and business stakeholders.
    Blake Gibson, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • While the legal battle is ongoing, the judge's ruling is an early win for the states and a setback for the Trump administration.
    Camila Domonoske, NPR, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Both serve the same function: Such large-scale institutional investment in crypto—whether from the government or a company—further legitimizes these digital currencies, ensuring their long-term viability as an asset class.
    Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 10 June 2025
  • Management also added veteran talent to legitimize the Fever as a true contender.
    Doug Kezirian, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • As ever, prospective investors must carefully consider whether Palantir’s premium valuation is a justifiable bet on the future of AI — or a potential case of pricing perfection in an imperfect world.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • Some homicides on the list may be judged by authorities as justifiable.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • More than just the designs, the accessibility of Brilliant Earth’s pieces further validated her choice to partner with the company.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 27 June 2025
  • Republicans can point to this to validate their claims that the Democratic Party cannot be trusted not to lurch too far to the left.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Internal policies should be updated to reflect lawful use, clear notice, and proper consent.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • But in a June 18 letter to health care providers, Idaho Division of Public Health administrator Elke Shaw-Tulloch said HIV is a long-term condition and not an emergency — so people must verify their lawful presence in order to get benefits through the federal Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • The Thai government has officially sanctioned a budget of $1.2 billion to host a Grand Prix in the capital city of Bangkok.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
  • Elliptic said that relatives of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei were linked to the exchange and that sanctioned Revolutionary Guard operatives had used Nobitex.
    Gabe Levin, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • That continuity—rare in the modern spirits world—has enabled a long-term view, one that privileges quality over quick wins and builds credibility one barrel at a time.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
  • As with the new camp regulations, the law privileges the state’s ideology through coercion.
    Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Hippler held back little in writing that the defense had failed to meet its legal burden necessary to warrant delay of the trial.
    Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 27 June 2025
  • Jonathan Groff’s penchant for spitting on audiences became mainstream enough to warrant a joke at the Tonys.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 25 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Legitimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legitimate. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on legitimate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!