Find Synonyms

legitimize Synonyms

Another word for legitimize

Choosing another word for legitimize depends on context, so the 10 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To make something lawful, valid, or acceptable by providing official authorization, moral justification, or public recognition.

Usage Example

"The diplomatic treaty helped legitimate the newly formed government on the international stage."

Strongest
legitimate
validate
legalize
Strong
sanction
authorize
justify
normalize
endorse

• verb (Context 2)

To grant legal status and full inheritance rights to a child born to unmarried parents.

Usage Example

"Under the revised family code, the parents were able to formally legitimate their children through a civil registration process."

Strongest
legitimate
legitimatize
Strong
recognize

Opposites of legitimize

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

delegitimize
bastardize
invalidate
outlaw
ban
prohibit
disinherit
discredit
See all opposites of legitimize

• Nearby Words

legitimate
legitimately
legitimatize
legitimize
legless
leglike
legroom

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Legitimize. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/legitimize
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