as in to enable
to make something real, accepted, or official
slang words legitimized by usage
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of legitimize
To legitimize its war, China would try to point to provocations by Taipei and Washington—which is why the no-deadline pledge would incentivize them to refrain from acts that Beijing could hold up as compelling casus belli.
—
Stephen Wertheim, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2025
While Stone’s abilities alone might legitimize extraterrestrial suspicions, there’s more to why Teddy has pinpointed Michelle.
—Jake Coyle, Boston Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
This was legitimized as a way to protect the country from further invasions – which the French were constantly threatening to do.
—Julia Gaffield, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025
Also are Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, two former stars whose twin 13-year, $98 million signings in July 2012 helped legitimize the franchise.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for legitimize
Stephen Wertheim, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2025
While Stone’s abilities alone might legitimize extraterrestrial suspicions, there’s more to why Teddy has pinpointed Michelle.
—Jake Coyle, Boston Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
This was legitimized as a way to protect the country from further invasions – which the French were constantly threatening to do.
—Julia Gaffield, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025
Also are Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, two former stars whose twin 13-year, $98 million signings in July 2012 helped legitimize the franchise.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for legitimize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legitimize
Verb
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An arbitration hearing enables the Royals and a player — including his agent and attorney — to have a panel of neutral arbitrators determine the value of the player’s contract for the coming season (in this case, 2026).—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
9 Jan. 2026
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Washington’s neutrality safeguarded our nation’s first quarter-millennium, enabling our ascent to superpower status and the preservation of liberty at home.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The employee is authorized to carry a firearm, but is not a member of the Lawrence Police Department.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
7 Jan. 2026
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Supervisors had not authorized them to wear riot gear, which was stashed in nearby vans, or carry munitions.—
Jamie Thompson,
The Atlantic,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Researchers also want to know whether the effect, if validated, can be improved upon.—
Lisa Jarvis,
Twin Cities,
8 Nov. 2025
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This week also saw big news from the quantum startup Quantinuum, and DARPA announced eleven companies advanced to the second stage of its quantum benchmarking initiative, which aims to either validate or invalidate the approaches taken by companies in the program.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize.—
Staff Reports,
The Providence Journal,
7 Jan. 2026
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Following Wednesday's hearing, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman also spoke and expressed confidence that a jury would find Nick guilty of murder, while also noting that the defendant is entitled to proper legal representation.—
Liam Quinn,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Post-Europe is a response to this seemingly repetitive situation and the increasing tendency of legitimating a nationalist and fascist discourse.—
Daniel Birnbaum,
Artforum,
1 Sep. 2025
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Digital assets encompass everything from speculative meme coins to legitimate community development tools.—
Tonya M. Evans,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
Verb
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The federal government pays 90% of the costs of Idaho’s Medicaid expansion, which as of early 2025 provided access to care for about 90,000 lower-income Idaho residents who earn too much to qualify for standard Medicaid but not enough for private insurance discounts.—
Sarah Cutler,
Idaho Statesman,
9 Jan. 2026
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Something to savor The national title game is more than a week away as UM pulled off the improbable after barely qualifying for the playoffs.—
Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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My late father tried to maintain that routine to renew our Egyptian residency permits annually out of fear Israel would expel us from our home again one day.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
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Temporary residence permits allow foreigners to live and work in Germany, as well as receive government benefits, but mean their ability to remain there is uncertain.—
Sophie Tanno,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Legitimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legitimize. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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