as in lawfulness
the quality or state of being legal
the legitimacy of the military dictatorship was not recognized by most other nations
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Recent Examples of legitimacy
The other is fooling humans, particularly the dwindling number of journalists, critics, and other gatekeepers who are still capable of conferring legitimacy by paying attention.
—
Lane Brown, Vulture, 15 May 2026
Security depends on validating legitimacy, context and intent, not just access.
—Stephane Gervais, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
While Xi Jinping need not worry about voters, the Chinese leader’s legitimacy rests in part on stoking growth, prosperity and social stability.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 14 May 2026
While the Israel Defense Forces continue to dismantle the physical fortress — recently demolishing the largest Hezbollah tunnel network in southern Lebanon — the Iranian people are dismantling the regime’s internal legitimacy.
—Liram Koblentz-Stenzler, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for legitimacy
Lane Brown, Vulture, 15 May 2026
Security depends on validating legitimacy, context and intent, not just access.
—Stephane Gervais, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
While Xi Jinping need not worry about voters, the Chinese leader’s legitimacy rests in part on stoking growth, prosperity and social stability.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 14 May 2026
While the Israel Defense Forces continue to dismantle the physical fortress — recently demolishing the largest Hezbollah tunnel network in southern Lebanon — the Iranian people are dismantling the regime’s internal legitimacy.
—Liram Koblentz-Stenzler, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for legitimacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legitimacy
Noun
-
The ruling follows a legal challenge by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) over the lawfulness of a December 2022 parliament vote.—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
8 May 2026
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Had the former Wolverines coach and prosecutors failed to negotiate a plea deal and gone to trial, Moore’s attorneys were expected to attack the admissibility of evidence and the lawfulness of a search warrant.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But debating the legality of pot is sorely missing the point.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
20 May 2026
-
The United Nations General Assembly affirmed the legality and necessity of a Jewish state, and its founding was supported by a majority of UN member states.—
Michael W. Sonnenfeldt,
The Atlantic,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Legitimacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legitimacy. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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