Synonyms for Illegitimate & Similar Words
Definition of illegitimate
- adjective
- contrary to or forbidden by law; "an illegitimate seizure of power"; "illicit trade"; "an outlaw strike"; "unlawful measures"
- of marriages and offspring; not recognized as lawful
- noun
- the illegitimate offspring of unmarried parents
13 synonyms found
Writing tips for "illegitimate"
Choosing the right synonym depends on context, tone, and audience. Words like adulterine, base, baseborn can replace "illegitimate" depending on the shade of meaning you need. In poetry and songwriting, swapping synonyms lets you match a rhyme scheme or meter without changing your meaning. In prose, varying your word choice avoids repetition and keeps readers engaged.
With 13 alternatives available, "illegitimate" gives you flexibility across registers — from formal to casual, from literary to conversational. Try pairing these synonyms with our rhyme finder to discover words that both mean and sound like what you need.
"Illegitimate" in song lyrics
See how illegitimate is used in real songs:
-
"Soul is old, rhymes dirty, born illegitimate"
Akrobatik — Hypocrite -
"Immaculate conceptions, born illegitimate"
J-Live — Epilogue -
"No more than lovers we can be and even that's illegitimate"
Pretty Willie f/ Omaze — She Got a Man at Home