LEGITIMIZE Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

legitimize

verb

Definition of legitimize

as in to enable

to make something real, accepted, or official slang words legitimized by usage

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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 legitimize The Peruvian system has a solid institutional foundation that was legitimized over time and is supported by the Peruvian public. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026 Those issues persist, even as the field has tried to further professionalize and legitimize itself. — Lauren Chan, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026 Arizona's recognition of the bolo legitimized the piece as more than a nontraditional tie. — Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 31 Aug. 2026 This strategic move undermined the Nazis’ ability to use the monarchy to legitimize their occupation. — Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legitimize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for legitimize

Verb

The technology enabled compression; the growth came from expansion.

— Sumeet Salwan, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026
In 1953, things came to a head when she was sent home from India while filming Elephant Walk with her hard-drinking, enabling lover Peter Finch.

— Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of enable

Verb

These include dynamic proton radiography, materials science, neutron scattering, and nuclear physics, all operating at a facility authorized to use hazardous materials and handle classified data.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, targets Russia’s energy sector by authorizing the president to impose up to 100% tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil and natural gas.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of authorize

Verb

The strongest candidates would then be validated at USA Rare Earth’s research and development facility in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, before potentially being incorporated into the company’s processing flowsheets.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
The Tmall store serves both as an official entry point and a platform for validating consumer demand.

— Advertorial, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of validate

Verb

The state appealed that ruling, asking the Georgia Supreme Court to find that Humphreys is not entitled to have his sentence reconsidered under the new law.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
The household consists of married students who file (or are entitled to file) a joint tax return.

— Olivia Young, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of entitle

Verb

And the fact that Pochettino’s contract is so close to expiring was only going to add to this type of rumor mill — and to legitimate interest and recruitment.

— Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 29 May 2026
For schools, one bill would limit the use of student biometric data to legitimate instructional purposes, while another would prohibit teachers from using AI to assign grades on student work.

— Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026

Definition of legitimate

Verb

The trial court will need to decide whether the university was legally justified in concealing and redacting certain documents and whether Abraham qualifies for attorneys' fees.

— Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 22 Sep. 2026
When dollar settlement is selected, Square converts the qualifying payment into dollars.

— Karen Koehler, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of qualify

Verb

The analyst added that similar uranium mine projects are not fully permitted, giving NexGen an edge over competitors and making its stock especially appealing to investors.

— Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 21 Sep. 2026
The terms of an authorization typically identify the provider or entity permitted to disclose information, which records are included, the date range, the recipient, and the expiration and revocation language.

— Matthew Kayser, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026