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
An early investment from Berkshire Hathaway helped legitimize the company abroad.
—
Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
What role did the press play in legitimizing American action in the Spanish American War and also bringing it to an end?
—Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
Trump signed the Genius Act in July, legislation that legitimized the technology.
—Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
As a political philosopher concerned with the moral analysis of international relations, I am deeply troubled by this vision of warfare – and by the moral justifications used to legitimize the making of war.
—Michael Blake, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legitimize
Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
What role did the press play in legitimizing American action in the Spanish American War and also bringing it to an end?
—Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
Trump signed the Genius Act in July, legislation that legitimized the technology.
—Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
As a political philosopher concerned with the moral analysis of international relations, I am deeply troubled by this vision of warfare – and by the moral justifications used to legitimize the making of war.
—Michael Blake, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legitimize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legitimize
Verb
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The increasing ubiquity of K-beauty products outside Korea is also enabling a broader following.—
Kati Chitrakorn,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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Decades of levees and shipping channels destroyed protective ecosystems, leaving the region vulnerable to hurricanes; the closure of a key canal is enabling restoration.—
Melina Walling,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Last month, the union first authorized a strike, with 82% of its members in favor.—
Cerys Davies,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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The workers, represented by the Pacific Northwest Staff Union, voted to authorize a strike last month after talks broke down.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Pham said the Louvre tightened how many times a ticket can be validated at its multiple checkpoints.—
Thomas Adamson,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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The difference came down to how quickly leaders could understand the scope and risk, validate mitigation steps, and align communications.—
Keri Pearlson,
Harvard Business Review,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The judge vacated his conviction and ruled Vedam was entitled to a new trial.—
Elizabeth Wolfe,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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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,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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These programs were designed to provide tax credits to legitimate businesses for employment taxes and wages.—
Chase Jordan
January 10,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Jan. 2026
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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
Verb
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Whatever the outcome of the playoffs, Trubin’s focus will soon be fully on the national team as Ukraine looks to qualify for its first World Cup in two decades.—
Patrick Snell,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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But this is a different kind of season for the Heat, which is on track to need to qualify for the playoffs through the NBA’s play-in tournament for the fourth straight year.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Guide dogs and service animals are permitted.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
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The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission would lose its authority to issue licenses permitting facilities to allow simulcast dog races starting July 1, 2027.—
Stephen Gruber-Miller,
Des Moines Register,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Legitimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legitimize. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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