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Synonyms

legitimacy

American  
[li-jit-uh-muh-see] / lɪˈdʒɪt ə mə si /

noun

  1. the state or quality of being legitimate.

    Synonyms:
    rightfulness, legality, lawfulness

Other Word Forms

  • nonlegitimacy noun

Etymology

Origin of legitimacy

First recorded in 1685–95; legitim(ate) + -acy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Then, Iran sought to avoid confrontation because it understood U.S. objectives were limited, meaning that regional relations and wider international legitimacy were worth preserving.

From Barron's

Then, Iran sought to avoid confrontation because it understood U.S. objectives were limited, meaning that regional relations and wider international legitimacy were worth preserving.

From Barron's

“The loyalty, accountability and shared identity that humans bring to those decisions is part of what makes them legitimate within a society. I can’t provide that legitimacy. I’m not sure any AI can.”

From Los Angeles Times

He was dismissed by the lanky spinner and afterwards appeared to question the legitimacy of his bowling action.

From BBC

Corruption has drained the revolutionary fervor that sustained the state’s legitimacy.

From The Wall Street Journal