1
as in explains
to be an acceptable reason for
you seem to think that losing a basketball game justifies a temper tantrum
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in defends
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
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 justifies
That’s an acute disconnect for early-career filmmakers weighing whether the traditional path justifies the cost and risk.
—
Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 8 May 2026
But none of this justifies standing still.
—Peter S. Hendricks, STAT, 6 May 2026
The pitch has always been that better performance justifies a higher price.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026
For those willing to make the trip, the standard of care justifies every mile.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Fresh runs of shallow crappies aren’t selective, though heavy fishing pressure justifies smaller baits, particularly natural-colored baits in plain black and brown hues.
—Cory Schmidt, Outdoor Life, 15 Apr. 2026
That moment of ancient knowing justifies the journey to this remote location.
—Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026
However, that hardly justifies a $100 increase over last year’s model, which had the same display and memory.
—ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2026
To me, what this justifies is more responsible behavior by social platforms to cut down on their most harmful features.
—Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026
Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 8 May 2026
But none of this justifies standing still.
—Peter S. Hendricks, STAT, 6 May 2026
The pitch has always been that better performance justifies a higher price.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026
For those willing to make the trip, the standard of care justifies every mile.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Fresh runs of shallow crappies aren’t selective, though heavy fishing pressure justifies smaller baits, particularly natural-colored baits in plain black and brown hues.
—Cory Schmidt, Outdoor Life, 15 Apr. 2026
That moment of ancient knowing justifies the journey to this remote location.
—Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026
However, that hardly justifies a $100 increase over last year’s model, which had the same display and memory.
—ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2026
To me, what this justifies is more responsible behavior by social platforms to cut down on their most harmful features.
—Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justifies
Verb
-
Bo-Katan explains the Mandalorians who raised Din and taught him to never show his face are religious zealots known as the Children of the Watch, who broke from Mandalorian society.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
-
Epigenetics explains how your behaviors and environment can affect how your genes act.—
Julie Scott,
Verywell Health,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Continue reading … STANDING FIRM — New York Times defends controversial anti-Israel piece, 'no truth' to retraction claims.—
,
FOXNews.com,
13 May 2026
-
In the present day, the twins get fired when Racine defends her sister at work.—
Jourdain Searles,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
The Athletic maintains full editorial independence.—
Data Skrive,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
-
Murdaugh maintains his innocence.—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
Islam, like Christianity, upholds the dignity of every human being and encourages dialogue and reconciliation over conflict.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
-
If the Supreme Court upholds the decisions, Haitians and Syrians will be able to keep their protections.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Justifies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justifies. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
