LEGITIMATE Synonyms: 87 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'legitimate' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of legitimate are lawful , legal , and licit . While all these words mean "being in accordance with law," legitimate may apply to a legal right or status but also, in extended use, to a right or status supported by tradition, custom, or accepted standards. // a perfectly legitimate question about taxes

Q: When is it sensible to use 'lawful' instead of 'legitimate'?

The synonyms lawful and legitimate are sometimes interchangeable, but lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon). // the lawful sovereign

Q: When can 'legal' be used instead of 'legitimate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to legitimate , legal applies to what is sanctioned by law or in conformity with the law, especially as it is written or administered by the courts. // legal residents of the state

Q: In what contexts can 'licit' take the place of 'legitimate'?

Although the words licit and legitimate have much in common, licit applies to a strict conformity to the provisions of the law and applies especially to what is regulated by law. // the licit use of drugs by doctors

legitimate 1 of 2

adjective

li-ˈji-tə-mət

Definition of legitimate next

as in legal

permitted by law the mistrust created among investors by the financial scandal has hurt even companies engaged in wholly legitimate business practices

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

legitimate

2 of 2

verb

as in to legitimize

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word legitimate different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of legitimate are lawful, legal, and licit. While all these words mean "being in accordance with law," legitimate may apply to a legal right or status but also, in extended use, to a right or status supported by tradition, custom, or accepted standards.

a perfectly legitimate question about taxes

When is it sensible to use lawful instead of legitimate?

The synonyms lawful and legitimate are sometimes interchangeable, but lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon).

the lawful sovereign

When can legal be used instead of legitimate?

While in some cases nearly identical to legitimate, legal applies to what is sanctioned by law or in conformity with the law, especially as it is written or administered by the courts.

legal residents of the state

In what contexts can licit take the place of legitimate?

Although the words licit and legitimate have much in common, licit applies to a strict conformity to the provisions of the law and applies especially to what is regulated by law.

the licit use of drugs by doctors

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of legitimate

Adjective

Finally, remember that legitimate companies will not ask you to confirm sensitive information via email or require you to click on links to claim prizes. —

Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 16 Dec. 2024 Despite legitimate misgivings about Biden’s approach, a majority of my GOP colleagues appreciated that support for Ukraine is an investment in U.S. national security. —

Mitch McConnell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2024

Verb

Our Ocean View staff are responsive to legitimate parental concerns. —

Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 4 Oct. 2024 The plaintiffs alleged that they’ve been prevented from selling their products to legitimate customers due to the fact that their inventory has been tied up in fraudulent transactions instead. —

Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for legitimate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for legitimate

Adjective

Disclaimer and Disclosure The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, legal, or other advice.

Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
The 55-year-old rapper, whose legal name is Shawn Carter, has been named in a civil lawsuit filed by a woman identified only as Jane Doe.

Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024