LEGITIMACY Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

legitimacy

noun

li-ˈji-tə-mə-sē

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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Example Sentences

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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

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
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