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.

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

From Barron's • May 9, 2026

"Your concern is legitimate, because of the experience of Covid: that trauma is still in our minds," he acknowledged.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

Leila Lacan and Saniya Rivers will get another chance to emerge as leaders for a team in transition, while rookies Nell Angloma and Gianna Kneepkens could get some legitimate playing time early.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

In some cases lenders were posing as legitimate loan firms, but when we started asking questions about what would happen if we were late repaying, we were told it "would add interest".

From BBC • May 7, 2026

For generations they had skirmished on the wrong side of the law, hoarding enough funds to become legitimate.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer

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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