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Showing results for legitimate. Search instead for legitimated.
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.

Investors shared this opinion, arguing that Palantir was more of a glorified consultancy than a legitimate tech company.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

The central strategic question No Kings must now answer, according to political scientist Hahrie Han, is not whether the protests are legitimate, but whether they are durable.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

There are legitimate concerns in football over a system that incentivises these sales.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

That puts bears in a tough spot, even if their concerns are legitimate.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Ames sat at a window table with Cherkashin and with Sergei Chuvakhin, a legitimate Soviet diplomat who would act as his "cutout," or go-between with the KGB.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.