Definitions

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.

It essentially yanked TPS overnight and refused to give a legitimate justification.

From Slate • Jun. 25, 2026

But those filmmakers are not without legitimate motives: Bradford wasn’t strictly a romance novelist, but she didn’t sell 90 million-plus books by being understated.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026

Alan Blinder, a Princeton economics professor who served as Fed vice chair, said Greenspan had a "legitimate claim to being the greatest central banker who ever lived."

From Barron's • Jun. 22, 2026

Lady Ross said the right was qualified and may be restricted where there is a legitimate justification, including maintaining sex-based segregation within the prison estate.

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026

Since their fears are legitimate, I need to let them keep their anonymity.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers

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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