Synonyms for

Legitimately

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

Definition

in a way that is legal, rightful, and reasonable

Synonyms & similar words

illegitimately lawlessly licitly lawfully illicitly lawfully rightfully justly fairly properly genuinely authentically truly honestly sincerely actually really veritably validly effectively truly correctly accurately precisely

Synonyms by register

Formal

lawfully officially validly rightfully

Informal

really truly for real legit

Literary

veritably authentically

Antonyms

illegally unlawfully wrongfully improperly invalidly unjustly

Common collocations

  • legitimately elected
  • legitimately acquired
  • legitimately earned
  • legitimately obtained
  • legitimately used
  • legitimately disputed
  • legitimately owned

Word family

noun legitimacy
verb legitimize
adjective legitimate

Usage note

Often used to emphasize that something is genuine or acceptable according to law or rules. Can sometimes be used informally to mean 'really' or 'truly'.

Example sentences

  1. The company was legitimately voted as the best place to work.
  2. She was able to prove that she had earned the money legitimately.
  3. The athletes record was legitimately broken.
  4. The police officer acted legitimately in stopping the suspect.
  5. The artists work was legitimately praised by the critics.

Quotes

  • I dont want to be famous for being on a TV show or for being some kind of celebrity; I want to be legitimately famous for being a good actress and doing something I love.
  • Were not trying to be cool. Were legitimately trying to change the world.
  • Ive always thought that acting is very similar to legitimately getting away with robbery. You cant go too far over the top, but you cant be too subtle, either.

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the and that for you with was this are have not from

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