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
The website listed within the text Check your account using the toll service’s legitimate website. Kendrick Marshall, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2025 And in cities like Goma, the rebels are working to cast themselves as capable stewards, offering a window into the group’s efforts to be considered a legitimate political movement. Sophie Neiman, Christian Science Monitor, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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 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
  • According to Katelyn Burns of MSNBC, the author donated £70,000 to For Women Scotland, a campaign group which brought legal challenges arguing that trans women should not be considered women.
    Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 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 agency posts verified results on its website after polls close, updating as ballots are counted and validated.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 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
  • The United States rejects any assertion of sovereignty or jurisdiction that is inconsistent with freedoms of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea and air.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The court sanctioned Apple for the full cost of Epic’s attorney’s fees and referred it to the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California for possible criminal contempt proceedings.
    Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
  • What to Know The Treasury sanctioned a network that allegedly facilitated the procurement of sodium perchlorate and dioctyl sebacate—chemicals used in the production of ammonium perchlorate, a key component of solid propellants for ballistic missiles.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Legitimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legitimate. Accessed 9 May. 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!