legitimate 1 of 2

legitimate

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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
These systems operate invisibly in the background, letting legitimate customers breeze through while stopping fraudsters cold. Jitender Jain, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025 The premise appears to be that only the President can decide whether someone’s legal rights are legitimate. Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
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 The stretch was supposed to tell us how close the over-performing Steelers could be to legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Mike Defabo, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for legitimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legitimate
Adjective
  • Kemsley, citing irreconcilable differences, is also requesting that her ex pay her legal fees.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The two were engaged in legal battles for years, but Giuffre finally settled, admitting that she might have been mistaken in identifying Dershowitz as an abuser.
    Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Ukraine and its allies do not want the U.S. to legitimize Russia's annexation.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Barrett and Lawrence noted violence becomes normalized when leaders or the public legitimize it.
    Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In hindsight, his decision to betray his budding mentee, Han, was perfectly justifiable.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Although the initial school closures may have been justifiable (even if off-script in many locations), there was no plan on when and how to reopen.
    David Zweig, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Without colleagues to validate their contributions or provide feedback, many retirees struggle to maintain their sense of relevance and value.
    Lorraine Wiseman, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The state is required to validate the information using relevant databases, including records at the state Department of Motor Vehicles and Social Security Administration.
    Phil Willon, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite being a lawful permanent resident, the Trump administration has detained him since March and has sought to strip him of his legal status because of his role in the protests.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • There are students being advised not to go anywhere near a lawful, peaceful protest.
    David Catanese, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This could be done by sanctioning the oil exported from the western-facing ports in Ust-Luga, Primorsk, on the Baltic Sea, as well as Novorossiysk on the Black Sea.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Nicholas Ferrone sanctioned their requests, according to the indictment.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • From the vantage point of a chaotic bedtime, the safety concerns about melatonin can feel academic, privileging unknown or speculative harms (such as the possibility of long-term side effects) over the chance of immediate relief.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Caution and brand protection suggest privileging continuity over a lucky seasonal earning.
    Matteo Atti, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In the coming months, the court will decide whether the death penalty against Mangione is warranted.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • But now, Republicans in the state House of Representatives say the alleged misuse of funds may warrant a criminal investigation.
    Greg Allen, NPR, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Legitimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legitimate. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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