Find Synonyms

legitimate Synonyms

Another word for legitimate

Choosing another word for legitimate depends on context, so the 24 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 4 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
JUMP TO:

• adjective (Context 1)

Conforming to the law or to established rules, standards, or recognized authority.

Usage Example

"The auditor confirmed that all the company's tax deductions were for lawful business expenses."

Strongest
lawful
legal
valid
Strong
licit
authorized
rightful
sanctioned

• adjective (Context 2)

Able to be defended with logic, reason, or justification; reasonable and genuine.

Usage Example

"Sickness is a valid excuse for missing the final examination."

Strongest
valid
justifiable
reasonable
Strong
sound
genuine
authentic
bona fide
credible
logical

• verb (Context 3)

To make lawful, valid, or acceptable; to justify or lend authority to an action, belief, or institution.

Usage Example

"The presence of international observers helped legitimize the results of the national election."

Strongest
legitimize
validate
justify
Strong
sanction
authorize
legalize
ratify
endorse

• adjective (Context 4)

Born of parents who are lawfully married to each other, or having a rightful, hereditary title to a throne.

Usage Example

"The historical drama chronicles the struggle of the king's trueborn heir to reclaim the crown."

Strongest
trueborn
Strong
rightful
lawful

Opposites of legitimate

The opposite of legitimate shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

delegitimize
illegitimate
unjustifiable
invalidate
invalid
unlawful
illegal
groundless
See all opposites of legitimate

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Legitimate. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/legitimate
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.