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 According to the magazine, Sun’s involvement as a high-profile billionaire helped legitimize the project and drew in additional investors, turning it into a fundraising success—until things turned sour. — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 27 July 2026 Flores, however, stands by the district’s enrollment department’s ability to legitimize the transfer paperwork. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2026 But critics fear the FDA’s stamp of approval will simply legitimize the use of unproven substances whose dangers may only become apparent in coming years. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 20 July 2026 Peptide proponents like Rosebush counter that pharmaceutical companies have no interest in running the kind of costly studies on these peptides that are needed to legitimize them because many of them can't be patented. — Will Stone, NPR, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for legitimize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for legitimize

Verb

The kind of research that AI might enable carries a lot of promise.

— Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2026
His focus is on creating tangible value for customers by enabling data centers around the world to better plan, design, build, operate and scale their facilities.

— Ciaran Flanagan, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of enable

Verb

The four judicial and two security officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media about the matter.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
As a result, the government extended 10 years of comprehensive identity theft protection to everyone impacted by the breach, authorized by Congress.

— Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of authorize

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

Radar then scans across 14 federal and state programs to identify benefits users may qualify for, from disability and food assistance to tax credits.

— Victor Dey, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
To qualify as a qualifying relative, the individual’s gross income must be less than $5,300 for 2026.

— Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of qualify

Verb

In addition to the above costs, the controller said the proposal would require a coastal development permit, which may require studies or permit conditions.

— Tim Fang, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Under national rules, farmers in the Amazon must preserve 80% of their land and may legally clear the remaining 20%, while the moratorium bans any deforestation, even when permitted by law.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026