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

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 Kremlin expected to keep control The Kremlin wants the parliamentary election — the first since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 — to showcase popular support for the war and legitimize its action. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026 That means if Russia was to undergo a profound political transformation during the next five years, the Duma will play a major role in managing and legitimizing it. — Sam Meredith,anniek Bao, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026 On paper, Daphne and Eddie’s relationship was brief and lacked the connective tissue (DNA, legal documents) that might otherwise legitimize it. — Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for legitimize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for legitimize

Verb

Chinese clinical tools, medical devices, and enabling technologies are likely to become increasingly central, as well.

— Ruby Wang, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
The vulnerability, called P2PShell, impacts a coding language that powers 70% of the world’s websites, enabling hackers to remotely execute code or gain access to information stored on servers.

— Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of enable

Verb

Polis also authorized the use of National Guard members to assist with rescue efforts in southwest Colorado.

— Ava Berger, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026
Scams involving direct payments A scammer tricks you into authorizing a wire transfer, sending money through a payment app or purchasing gift cards.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of authorize

Verb

Moderna and Merck still need to validate the approach in other cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer, bladder cancer and renal cell carcinoma.

— Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
The demonstration was part of a series of tests intended to validate the procedures, networks, and interfaces required to operate the Stingray from a carrier.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of validate

Verb

Sony Pictures Classics released it that April, and the movie became a cult classic that spawned a 2016 sequel entitled Punk’s Dead.

— Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
Their errors could, for example, deprive resources from real emergencies or deny benefits a person is entitled to.

— Anat Lior, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 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 ordinance permits Highfill to apply excess bond proceeds to retire debt early if construction costs come in below projections, and the city holds the option to call and prepay bonds without penalty starting June 1, 2033.

— Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Helner admires Ben-Gvir’s push to expand civilian gun ownership, permit Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount, and introduce the death penalty for terrorists.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 26 Oct. 2026