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.

"People are responding to legitimate pressures and legitimate concerns and anxieties they have."

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

"His passing occurs in circumstances that should never have happened and that will continue to generate questions, pain, and legitimate demands for truth, justice and reparations."

From BBC • May 31, 2026

Don’t call the number provided in the message, even if it appears legitimate.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

The indictment says Murrell created false documents to disguise the purchase as a legitimate party expense.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

Ames sat at a window table with Cherkashin and with Sergei Chuvakhin, a legitimate Soviet diplomat who would act as his "cutout," or go-between with the KGB.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau

Vocabulary lists containing legitimate

The Real Deal: Synonyms for "True"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

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

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!