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
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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.
The column warns that the disputes could extend beyond the election, potentially providing grounds to challenge results or undermine their legitimacy. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 In legal filings, lawyers for California say the request threatens to delay the certification of the vote and undermine the legitimacy of the November midterms. — ABC News, 23 Oct. 2026 The appearance of legitimacy is further reinforced by a panel of three experts who provide commentary on what’s happening in the pod. — Judy Berman, Time, 21 Oct. 2026 Though performance had long been part of English culture, the permanency of the sites in London granted the business of playing new cultural legitimacy and esteem. — Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 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

legitim
legitimacy
legitimate
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Cite this Entry

“Legitimacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legitimacy. Accessed 28 Oct. 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

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