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.

A higher threshold may reduce wrongful interventions but could allow legitimate threats to go undetected.

From Salon • May 12, 2026

He has denied wrongdoing, and said the money came from the legitimate sale of buffalo from his farming business.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

Florida allows high-schoolers to earn NIL money for off-field endorsements or other legitimate work.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

"This is not about prosecuting a legitimate criminal case," Eliason said in a Substack post.

From Barron's • May 9, 2026

As a young boy, Leonardo is welcomed into Ser Piero’s household and raised, among his many legitimate siblings, by his grandparents.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day

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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