just 1 of 2

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as in only
nothing more than I was just kidding

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in right
as stated or indicated without the slightest difference the length of the curtain is just right

Synonyms & Similar Words

5
6

just

2 of 2

adjective

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6

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective just differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of just are conscientious, honest, honorable, scrupulous, and upright. While all these words mean "having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right," just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable.

workers given just compensation

How are the words conscientious and scrupulous related as synonyms of just?

Both conscientious and scrupulous imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience.

conscientious in the completion of her assignments
scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will

Where would honest be a reasonable alternative to just?

In some situations, the words honest and just are roughly equivalent. However, honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, or fairness.

known for being honest in business dealings

When might honorable be a better fit than just?

While in some cases nearly identical to just, honorable suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty.

a difficult but honorable decision

When is upright a more appropriate choice than just?

The synonyms upright and just are sometimes interchangeable, but upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles.

a stern and upright minister

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of just
Adverb
Despite moving up the ladder, Vicente adapted to Ferrol quickly, contributing 12 goals and 16 assists in just a season and a half. Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025 With two red hot babyfaces in Reigns and Punk in hot pursuit, the post-WrestleMania just got infinitely more compelling. Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
The 2024 rap beef between Lamar and Drake, which has since cooled, continues to spill outside of just music. Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025 That same month, Russia released another American just days after arresting him on drug smuggling charges. Associated Press, Time, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for just
Recent Examples of Synonyms for just
Adverb
  • That’s exactly half of the artists on this year’s shortlist; apologies to fan-vote winners Phish for their loss.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The reaction was exactly Nigel’s reaction in the show, which was actually quite satisfying but risky.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 28 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • For a preview that's barely one minute long, this teaser trailer — set to 'Wolf Totem' by The HU — sure packs in a lot.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The barely torched meringue on top is the stuff of my Martha Stewart fantasies.
    Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • This time, though, the satellites have not only been significantly upgraded, but represent the largest deployment for Amazon, the company said.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
  • They’re made from 100 percent cotton, which is not only soft and comfortable, but also breezy and breathable—a must for hot Southern weather.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • Jeanty figures to jump right into Pete Carroll's offense and get to work with new Raiders quarterback Geno Smith handing the ball off to him.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • This lightweight cream truly melts right in without the slightest bit of cast.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 25 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • In other words, if the economy is in a recession or sliding into one, the Fed presumably will lower rates but not if inflation has spiked and the economy is simply losing steam.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Whether this season was simply a speed bump on their way to getting there or a concerning indication of things to come will be revealed soon.
    Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • But lately, celebrities have been making the case for the trends of the last decade—and doing them in a way that perhaps isn’t as shudder-inducing as last time.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Lopez has been spending a lot of time in New York lately, and her outfits have ranged from casual and comfortable looks to the highest octane slays, and sometimes even both at the same time.
    Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Physicians and hospitals say their fees are justified, reflecting the true price of medical care.
    T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Deadheads who bought tickets for an entire weekend’s worth of shows are no doubt feeling more justified in that decision, given how there will likely be unique visual content across all three nights at this point, in addition to the musical setlists consisting of no-repeat weekends.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The logical conclusion is for the US to convert its gold holdings into bitcoin.
    Korok Ray, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • That makes for a logical disconnect, and palpable hypocrisy.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Just.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/just. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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