Synonyms of legitimacy

legitimacy

noun

li-ˈji-tə-mə-sē 

as in lawfulness

the quality or state of being legal

the legitimacy of the military dictatorship was not recognized by most other nations

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lawfulness
• legality
• rightfulness
• rightness
• permissibility
• permissibleness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• illegality
• illegitimacy
• unlawfulness
• wrongfulness
• immorality
• wickedness
• wrongness
• badness
• sinfulness
• criminality
• iniquity
• unconstitutionality
• unjustness
• iniquitousness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of legitimacy

The lack of authentication also raises concerns for those looking to resell their purchase, as verification from a third-party expert would be required to confirm its legitimacy. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

But after Mitchell announced plans for a massive marijuana-friendly entertainment district, village business owners voiced concerns about the board’s legitimacy and questioned whether some of the members had lived there long enough to be elected officials. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2025

This kind of activity adds another dimension to the legitimacy challenge facing American democracy. —BÁlint Madlovics, Foreign Affairs, 10 Feb. 2025

Her mother’s fall from favor and subsequent execution in 1536 caused the public to question Elizabeth’s legitimacy as queen. —Sarah Holzmann, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Feb. 2025