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.

Acknowledging the importance of "legitimate protest" against the actions of a state, Prince Harry said people must be more "clear" about where they are aiming their anger.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

But for decades there has been a broad exemption for legitimate news programming.

From Salon • May 13, 2026

However, the growing number of drones operated via cellular networks poses a challenge because they blend in with legitimate network traffic.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

"This is not about prosecuting a legitimate criminal case," Eliason said in a Substack post.

From Barron's • May 9, 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

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