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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

legitimate

2 of 2

verb

as in to legitimize

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

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Recent Examples of legitimate

Adjective

While the criminal investigation into Yoon progresses, the nation’s Constitutional Court is deliberating whether the impeachment vote and his removal from office were legitimate. —

Charlie Campbell, TIME, 15 Jan. 2025 Many of these ersatz sites look like legitimate sports news offerings. —

Kate Knibbs, WIRED, 15 Jan. 2025

Verb

Many of their posts include QR codes that link to legitimate news outlets to make the posts appear authentic. —

Erielle Delzer, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2024 Whether that hurt or helped the film, what’s clear is that Three Kings further cemented Clooney’s transition from ER heartthrob to legitimate leading man. —

Will Leitch, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for legitimate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for legitimate

Adjective

Adding to the company's legal woes, MyPillow representatives were notably absent at a court hearing last month aimed at addressing the payment dispute.

Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
Trump’s team is also evaluating alternative legal arguments, such as pointing to specific sections of the U.S. trade law, per CNN’s reporting.

Alex Harring, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2025