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.

Legitimate risks do exist, specifically in primary education.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

Legitimate organizations, the FTC says, do not contact you and say you have to act now.

From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026

Legitimate insurance brokers should have a website, phone number and address, the FCA said.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

Legitimate arguments could be made for rebooting U.S.–Saudi relations, on various realpolitik grounds.

From Slate • Nov. 20, 2025

Legitimate occasion for a Te Deum this, most certainly.

From Dealings with the Dead, Volume I (of 2) by School, A Sexton of the Old

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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