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Showing results for legitimate. Search instead for legitimati.
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.

As Iran's president said a truce in Lebanon was a key condition for ending the Middle East war, Vance said he believed there had been a "legitimate misunderstanding".

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

Showing his speed is legitimate will help with his football recruiting going into his senior year in the fall.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

Investors shared this opinion, arguing that Palantir was more of a glorified consultancy than a legitimate tech company.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

Instead he applied his hacking skills toward legitimate cybersecurity research.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Usually, Lisa-Marie Anne gets roped into supervising the kids, but that was before a legitimate childcare company existed in town.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller