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 Shares of psychedelic drug developers such as Compass Pathways and other rivals tied to the space rallied following the announcement, with Wall Street analysts arguing the order could legitimize an industry long viewed as fringe. — Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 31 May 2026 The mayor himself will arrive this morning ahead of his afternoon one-on-one with Leo, the first American — and Chicago-born — pope, whose advocacy on immigrant rights and historic apology on Monday for the Holy See’s role in legitimizing slavery will be top of the list for Johnson to discuss. — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026 Strong suggests legitimizing and standardizing station tattoos, making a design readily available if deputies want to pay homage to their workplace, as other departments across the nation do. — Sierra Van Der Brug, Daily News, 28 May 2026 Social integrity asks what AI legitimizes as knowledge and truth. — Hamilton Mann, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for legitimize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for legitimize

Verb

Balogun, who saw his red-card suspension set aside enabling him to play in Monday night’s win-or-done match.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
The Federal Trade Commission and seven states sued Live Nation and Ticketmaster in September 2025, accusing the companies of enabling scalpers in the resale market.

— Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026

Definition of enable

Verb

She is expected in court throughout the week with her husband's parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
The Lakers are trading center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for guard Jaden Hardy and two second-round draft picks, in 2031 and 2032, people not authorized to speak publicly confirmed to The Times on Friday.

— Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Definition of authorize

Verb

For this, Sandia researchers used power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) testing to validate their AI controls before deploying them in the field.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026
Segment by life stage, validate what employees actually need and embed that voice into benefits design, decision rights, communications and feedback loops.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of validate

Verb

Education advocates have asserted that California schools are legally entitled to billions more under state law.

— Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
And the court's majority did not say whether transgender people as a group are entitled to stronger legal protections under the Constitution.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 8 July 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

Haaland has become a favorite of soccer fans in China, which didn’t qualify for this year’s tournament.

— Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 9 July 2026
Meanwhile, the men had failed to even qualify for the 2017 World Cup—and the women only got bonuses of $110,000 for their win while the men would have raked in more than $400,000 each.

— Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 9 July 2026

Definition of qualify

Verb

Testing before fuel Following delivery, the prototype canister will undergo additional testing while the company advances permitting for its non-nuclear borehole with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026
Nick Loftin recovered the ball and tried to get Bichette at the plate, but his throw was late and slid past Carter Jensen, permitting Benge to finish his cycle of the bases.

— Tim Britton, New York Times, 8 July 2026