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.

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

But the truth is, we have time to make a legitimate score.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Wolff filed a lawsuit in response, alleging that Melania Trump’s letter was designed to “create a climate of fear” and “shut down legitimate inquiry into the Epstein matter with the Trumps.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

The boy king on the Iron Throne had made Lord Ramsay legitimate, giving him the right to use his lord father’s name.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

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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