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.

But for decades there has been a broad exemption for legitimate news programming.

From Salon • May 13, 2026

He has denied wrongdoing, and said the money came from the legitimate sale of buffalo from his farming business.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

"This is not about prosecuting a legitimate criminal case," Eliason said in a Substack post.

From Barron's • May 9, 2026

Leila Lacan and Saniya Rivers will get another chance to emerge as leaders for a team in transition, while rookies Nell Angloma and Gianna Kneepkens could get some legitimate playing time early.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

No one saw the pity of its position, hanging there in eternal meaninglessness, silently signalling to those with eyes to see, “I’m a legitimate punctuation mark, get me out of here.”

From "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" by Author

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