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.

“Is it truly a legitimate interest to combat organized crime?”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 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

In response to Sejourne's comments, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning warned China "will take all necessary measures" to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

The purpose is to avoid procedural traps that can prevent legitimate criticism from being published and to recover what peer review was supposed to be: serious, good-faith analysis by experts seeking clarity and truth.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

I couldn’t tell whether my worrying was legitimate or came from my desire to rest.

From "Kindred" by Octavia Butler

Vocabulary lists containing legitimate

The Real Deal: Synonyms for "True"

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"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney

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

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