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.

Coleman said the newsroom and law enforcement believe the letters sent to the media could be legitimate because they contained sensitive information about Nancy and the crime scene.

From BBC

The 41-year-old ski star with a surgically repaired right knee and without a functioning ACL in her left will begin the race as a legitimate contender to win a medal.

From The Wall Street Journal

There are, of course, legitimate disabilities that call for accommodation, but the Gen Xer in me revolts at the way everything has been pathologized and turned into a condition.

From The Wall Street Journal

Law enforcement sources, who spoke to The Times on condition of anonymity, said the ransom note is being considered legitimate because it contained at least two details about Guthrie’s home that hadn’t been made public.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Williams points out that “Goetz’s fear was legitimate. The city was unsafe.”

From The Wall Street Journal

legitimate

Example Sentences

Related Words