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Showing results for legitimate. Search instead for legitimated.
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.

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

If you cannot fight FOMO, and you are one of those investors who remains addicted to action, options are a legitimate alternative to stocks.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

But they reasserted themselves as legitimate playoff contenders behind Doncic’s historic brilliance.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

De Min said payments to contractors had been delayed amid the wider financial situation surrounding the Citadel development, including the ongoing receivership, but "legitimate contractor costs" would be "addressed".

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to colour over his failure to keep his word.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.