legitimize

verb

le·​git·​i·​mize li-ˈji-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce legitimize (audio)
legitimized; legitimizing
Synonyms of legitimizenext
legitimization noun
legitimizer noun

Examples of legitimize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Those who earn more than $600 per year get a 1099 tax form, which in the eyes of many creators legitimizes their work, said Bridget Crawford, a law professor at Pace University who has published studies on the economics behind OnlyFans. Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 14 May 2026 Years later, the Grammy-winning producer, whose daughters Erin and Sara Foster are behind the Netflix hit Nobody Wants This, was now helping legitimize Pratt’s candidacy for mayor of Los Angeles by hosting a fundraiser in his Brentwood Park backyard. Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 13 May 2026 Those moments further legitimize the hours of work he’s put into his craft. Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 13 May 2026 The industry views that bill as an existential threat and has lobbied heavily for a competing bill that would legitimize the industry and set a $12,500 cap on their fees. Quil Lawrence, NPR, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for legitimize

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of legitimize was in 1646

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Legitimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legitimize. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

legitimize

verb
le·​git·​i·​mize li-ˈjit-ə-ˌmīz How to pronounce legitimize (audio)
legitimized; legitimizing

Legal Definition

legitimize

transitive verb
le·​git·​i·​mize lə-ˈji-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce legitimize (audio)
legitimized; legitimizing

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