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.

The central strategic question No Kings must now answer, according to political scientist Hahrie Han, is not whether the protests are legitimate, but whether they are durable.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Instead he applied his hacking skills toward legitimate cybersecurity research.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

If you cannot fight FOMO, and you are one of those investors who remains addicted to action, options are a legitimate alternative to stocks.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

But they reasserted themselves as legitimate playoff contenders behind Doncic’s historic brilliance.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

It was an awkward but legitimate question for one Persian to ask another.

From "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" by Adib Khorram

legitimate

Example Sentences

Related Words