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.

Instead he said it was "legitimate, lawful, necessary and a workable legal provision".

From BBC • Jul. 1, 2026

The foundation recommended ballot curing programs that speed up the process by utilizing a secure text platform when double checking whether a ballot is legitimate when a voter’s signature doesn’t match state records.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2026

The IRS is pursuing cases in audits that look more like tax avoidance than legitimate planning, advisers said, such as people who set up trusts just before selling their company.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 29, 2026

It essentially yanked TPS overnight and refused to give a legitimate justification.

From Slate • Jun. 25, 2026

He had never seen a worse performance; Darlene and the bird qualified as legitimate sabotage.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

Vocabulary lists containing legitimate

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"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney

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100 SAT Words Beginning with "J," "K," and "L"

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