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

Scammers and predators lurk around, masquerading as legitimate colleagues, business partners and influencers, all while looking for opportunities to exploit hardworking individuals. —

Sonia Singh, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2024 Becker said charging stations would help businesses and keep the area more active with legitimate activity. —

Hema Sivanandam, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024

Verb

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 More to Read Opinion: Can legitimate campus protest be distinguished from antisemitism? —

Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for legitimate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for legitimate

Adjective

The Golden State saw an overall shift to Republicans by roughly 5 percentage points during the 2024 presidential election, pushing some political experts to question the wisdom of Newsom’s subsequent move to put Trump on legal notice.

Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 27 Nov. 2024
The attorney-client privilege is a familiar clause intrinsic to all legal service engagement letters, referring to a legal privilege that works to maintain confidentiality between lawyers and their clients.

Majeed Javdani, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024