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Showing results for legitimate. Search instead for legitimat.
Definitions

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.

“We have a legitimate comp next door that allows us to say, ‘Here’s what a turnkey house is worth.’

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

From the outside, a bucket shop resembled a legitimate brokerage.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Showing his speed is legitimate will help with his football recruiting going into his senior year in the fall.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

They’re a crazy phenomenon with plenty of uses—some legitimate, many illegal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Ames sat at a window table with Cherkashin and with Sergei Chuvakhin, a legitimate Soviet diplomat who would act as his "cutout," or go-between with the KGB.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau