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.

That has not stopped her from trying to give the results of The Plastic Detox the appearance of legitimate science.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2026

The message shows familiarity with your résumé, and it bears the signature of a real recruiter—complete with a hyperlink to a legitimate LinkedIn profile.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Credible, reliable and impartial evidence is the goal of legitimate science.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

US Vice President JD Vance appeared to take a softer tone, saying there may have been a "legitimate misunderstanding" from Iran that Lebanon would be included.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

He could see that she was beside herself with joy over finding a legitimate cause, a bona fide case history, a new movement.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

Vocabulary lists containing legitimate

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"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney

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