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Showing results for legitimate. Search instead for legitimati.
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.

As Iran's president said a truce in Lebanon was a key condition for ending the Middle East war, Vance said he believed there had been a "legitimate misunderstanding".

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

“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

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

New legislation should however, take into account people who use knives for "legitimate" reasons, such as for use in martial arts.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

She wasn’t sure if this was a legitimate problem, even though it was a problem.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti