legitimacy

noun

le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy li-ˈji-tə-mə-sē How to pronounce legitimacy (audio)
Synonyms of legitimacynext
: the quality or state of being legitimate

Synonyms of legitimacy

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Examples of legitimacy in a Sentence

the legitimacy of the military dictatorship was not recognized by most other nations
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
There's opinion journalism, and then there are crackpot theories that get in the way of legitimacy. — Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2026 Maduro’s lawyers argue that Washington’s refusal to recognize the legitimacy of his government does not resolve the immunity question. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 Ballmer built it as his monument to legitimacy, but its enormous halo scoreboard was constructed by Daktronics, one of the four team partners investigators found was induced to pay Leonard. — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Analysts say the military government lacks the legitimacy to change the constitution, which has sparked discontent among the citizens. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legitimacy

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of legitimacy was in 1625

Rhymes for legitimacy

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Browse Nearby Words

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legitimacy
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Cite this Entry

“Legitimacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legitimacy. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

legitimacy

noun
le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy li-ˈjit-ə-mə-sē How to pronounce legitimacy (audio)
: the quality or state of being legitimate

Legal Definition

legitimacy

noun
le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy li-ˈji-tə-mə-sē How to pronounce legitimacy (audio)
: the quality or state of being legitimate

More from Merriam-Webster on legitimacy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about legitimacy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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