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.

On rare earths, the ministry said trade teams from both countries had extensive discussions on export-control issues and would jointly study and address each other’s legitimate concerns.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

Mudgil said he doubts they all had legitimate reasons for the special accommodation.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

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

A higher threshold may reduce wrongful interventions but could allow legitimate threats to go undetected.

From Salon • May 12, 2026

There is of course a legitimate concern about reducing complicated phenomena to simple numerical scales or statistics.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos

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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