1
as in reasonable
based on sound reasoning or information
in a well-justified ruling the court voted unanimously to overturn the law
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in deserved
being what is called for by accepted standards of right and wrong
the use of force to capture the armed fugitive was fully justified
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in explained
to be an acceptable reason for
you seem to think that losing a basketball game justifies a temper tantrum
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in defended
to continue to declare to be true or proper despite opposition or objections
failed to justify the need for a war at this time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of justified
Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 5 Mar. 2026
An attack on Iran was both justified and necessary.
—Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
Kevin Williams, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2026
But are you justified in doing so?
—Big Think, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Adjective
Once an investigation is complete, findings are typically forwarded to a district attorney, who determines whether the officer’s actions meet Oklahoma’s legal standard for justified use of deadly force.
—Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 5 Mar. 2026
An attack on Iran was both justified and necessary.
—Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
According to Terra Higginson, principal research director at Info-Tech Research Group, AI deflection is justified when it is used to protect workers in jobs that have high burnout rates and turnover, and are associated with mental health issues.
—Kevin Williams, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2026
But are you justified in doing so?
—Big Think, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justified
Adjective
-
In 2012, 73 percent of Coloradans approved Amendment 65, which instructs our legislature and congressional delegation to support a federal constitutional amendment allowing reasonable limits on campaign spending.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Afterward, in his hallway scrum with mostly local reporters, Auriemma settled down and was more himself, more reasonable.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The park by then had a deserved reputation as an open-air drug market.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
-
That is definitely well deserved.—
Langston Wertz Jr,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Many joked that the clip explained years of mysterious toy discoveries beneath their own furniture.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Hollis, Queens, resident Patricia Khan first met McLogan in 2024 and explained her predicament at the time.—
Elle McLogan,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Education Department has defended the effort, arguing taxpayers deserve transparency on how money is spent at institutions that receive federal funding.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Democrats have questioned whether her transfer was premised upon her willingness to sit for that interview, but Blanche has defended the move.—
Maegan Vazquez The Washington Post,
Arkansas Online,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
-
This is a time for cool, calm and reasoned debate, and for legislators to think through the consequences of legislation put forth.—
Bobby Zirkin,
Baltimore Sun,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Their case is due back in court on June 16 for a pretrial conference, but the three troopers are able to be excused from appearing in person.—
Matt Schooley,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Woods has always had a complicated reputation, but he’s also widely considered one of the best golfers ever, which means a lot of his problematic behavior has been excused because of his talent and his friendship with the US President.—
StyleCaster Editors,
StyleCaster,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
While primarily based in Los Angeles, Alec has maintained more visible ties to Michigan real estate, including a sizable lakefront home along Lake Michigan built in 2013.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
3 Apr. 2026
-
View this post on Instagram The comedian maintained his sense of humor following the crash.—
Riley Rourke,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This means a single physical qubit can contribute to multiple logical qubits, significantly improving overall efficiency and reducing hardware demands.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Apr. 2026
-
If that scenario sounds familiar, a greenhouse might be your next logical move.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Justified.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justified. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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