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.

An Amazon Fire Stick is a device that plugs into TVs and gives the viewer options to watch programmes from legitimate services including the BBC iPlayer and Netflix.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

"I think people have legitimate concerns about where they fit in the economy," Treasurer Jim Chalmers said when asked what was driving that.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

The purpose is to avoid procedural traps that can prevent legitimate criticism from being published and to recover what peer review was supposed to be: serious, good-faith analysis by experts seeking clarity and truth.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

The new business would have to be legitimate, with a profit motive, “and not just a way to move money into an IRA for your child,” said Permashwar.

From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026

A hoax can be convincing if its source appears legitimate.

From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow

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