legitimate

[li-jit-uh-mit, li-jit-uh-meyt] / lɪˈdʒɪt ə mɪt, lɪˈdʒɪt əˌmeɪt /

ADJECTIVE

authentic, valid, legal

Synonyms

STRONGEST

appropriate certain consistent correct fair genuine justifiable lawful logical natural normal proper real reasonable reliable rightful sensible statutory true well-founded

STRONG

accepted accredited acknowledged authorized good-faith received recognized sanctioned sound warranted

WEAK

admissible canonical cogent customary innocent just licit official on the level on the up and up orthodox probable regular sure typical usual verifiable

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abnormal affected counterfeit deceptive dishonest false illegal illegitimate improper incorrect invalid irrational irregular uncommon unconventional unfitting unreal unreasonable unreliable unsuitable untrustworthy

WEAK

unlawful unwarranted

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Glantz from Rusi thinks that as legitimate businesses close, crime moves in.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

To be sure, there is a legitimate conversation to be had about how to improve election administration — including funding, staffing, technology and public communication.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

This comparatively muted response raises legitimate questions about the stock’s staying power.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

The second was that some were going from legitimate disagreement with the Israeli government to anti-Semitism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Challenges to the system will be easily absorbed or deflected, and the accommodations made will serve primarily to legitimate the system, not undermine it.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

Vocabulary lists containing legitimate

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