Synonyms for

Legitimate

Verb / lʌˈdʒɪtʌmʌt / Another word for legitimate — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

conforming to the law or to rules.

Synonyms & similar words

legitimize legitimatise logical legalize legalise legitimise decriminalize licit criminalise outlaw illegitimate criminalize lawful legitimatize decriminalise lawful legal valid authorized official genuine acceptable licit rightful authentic ethical proper correct fair just equitable honest upright sincere trustworthy

Synonyms by register

Formal

lawful legal authorized proper valid

Informal

real true on the level straight above board

Literary

veritable authentic bona fide

Antonyms

illegitimate illegal unlawful invalid phony fake bogus

Common collocations

  • legitimate reason
  • legitimate concern
  • legitimate business
  • legitimate claim
  • legitimate authority
  • legitimate use
  • legitimate defense

Word family

noun legitimacy
verb legitimize
adjective legitimate
adverb legitimately

Usage note

Often used to distinguish something that is lawful or justifiable from something that is not. Can also imply authenticity or genuineness.

Example sentences

  1. The bank will only accept a legitimate form of identification.
  2. The judge declared the evidence to be legitimate.
  3. The company was accused of not having legitimate business practices.
  4. The government requires legitimate reasons for obtaining a search warrant.
  5. It's important to make sure that your sources are legitimate when doing research.

Quotes

  • The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. - Thomas Jefferson
  • The ultimate test of a legitimate government is not how popular it is with the powerful and privileged, but how democratic it is in practice. - Tony Benn
  • The most powerful argument of all for saving open space is economics; in most states, tourism is the number two industry. Tourists want to experience areas that have qualities that cannot be replicated - a certain specialness. - Jim Fowler

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