Need another word for Legitimate? Use these synonyms of Legitimate from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
lawful
legal
justified
valid
genuine
authentic
rightful
authorized
sanctioned
approved
endorsed
ratified
confirmed
verified
certified
acknowledged
recognized
official
licensed
warranted
reasonable
sensible
rational
sound
logical
coherent
convincing
persuasive
credible
trustworthy
dependable
reputable
respectable
honest
upright
virtuous
moral
ethical
principled
justifiable
defensible
excusable
tolerable
acceptable
legitimate
allowable
permissible
admissible
proper
fitting
suitable
appropriate
becoming
befitting
seemly
decent
proper
decorous
Meaning of Legitimate
The primary meaning of "legitimate" is being in accordance with the law or rules.
Definitions
- Concerned with or relating to the law or rules
- * Conforming to the law or to rules
- * Reasonable or acceptable
Etymology of Legitimate
The word "legitimate" comes from the Latin "legitimus", which is derived from "lex" meaning law, and the suffix "-itimus" which forms an adjective
Historically, the word has been used to describe something that is in accordance with the law or rules, and has been used in English since the 15th century
Example Uses
- The company's legitimate business practices have earned it a good reputation
- * The government's decision was legitimate and in accordance with the constitution
- * She has a legitimate reason for being late to work
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
illegal
unlawful
illegitimate
unjustified
invalid
false
fake
unauthorized
unapproved
rejected
disapproved
denied
refuted
contradicted
disputed
questionable
doubtful
dubious
suspicious
shady
dishonest
untrustworthy
disreputable
infamous
notorious
corrupt
immoral
unethical
wrong
improper
inappropriate
unsuitable
unacceptable
intolerable
inexcusable