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 message shows familiarity with your résumé, and it bears the signature of a real recruiter—complete with a hyperlink to a legitimate LinkedIn profile.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

In some cases they listed properties using false or nonexistent addresses and posted fabricated reviews to make listings appear more legitimate.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

That cracks are only now starting to show is a legitimate wonder.

From Slate • Apr. 14, 2026

There are several legitimate reasons for using Hawala banking, in particular for people without bank accounts wanting to send money abroad.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Although prison guards and their legitimate children belong by blood to the core class, they are fringe functionaries locked away for most of their working lives in the freezing hinterlands.

From "Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West" by Blaine Harden

Vocabulary lists containing legitimate

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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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