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.

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

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

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

From Salon • May 12, 2026

"We did not demand any concessions. The only thing we demanded was Iran's legitimate rights," Baqaei said.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

Florida allows high-schoolers to earn NIL money for off-field endorsements or other legitimate work.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

Doug Hoo had a legitimate excuse from classes: tomorrow was the big track meet.

From "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin

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