- past tense form of legitimize.
- past participle of legitimize.
legitimized
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.
The Declaration of Independence legitimized the cause of the rebels but also empowered them to brand loyalists as traitors who could be legally sentenced to death.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 9, 2026
Medieval belts also managed a celebration of the pregnant silhouette, but devotion to Mary rather than patriotic “populationism” legitimized it.
From Slate ● Jul. 21, 2025
“He legitimized Lydia’s Castle from the very beginning.”
From Los Angeles Times ● May 21, 2024
Lincoln had to step gingerly, for a declaration of war against his own people was loathsome but more importantly would have legitimized the Confederacy as a nation able to establish diplomatic ties internationally.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 30, 2024
To alleviate this, the Ptolemies legitimized their power by adopting the trappings of old-time pharaonic rule.
From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro
![]()
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a word