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.

Acknowledging the importance of "legitimate protest" against the actions of a state, Prince Harry said people must be more "clear" about where they are aiming their anger.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

But for decades there has been a broad exemption for legitimate news programming.

From Salon • May 13, 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

At first her questions were legitimate enough: Arithmetic, spelling, languages, geography, and the sort of purposeful confusion—about ringing numbers and underlining words—in which some psychologists place particular store.

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

Vocabulary lists containing legitimate

The Real Deal: Synonyms for "True"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

100 SAT Words Beginning with "J," "K," and "L"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!