1
as in to explain
to be an acceptable reason for
you seem to think that losing a basketball game justifies a temper tantrum
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to defend
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 justify
Dictators always wind up needing enemies to justify why nothing has improved under their eternal rule, and once the domestic opposition is eliminated, foreign adventures are inevitable.
—
Garry Kasparov, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2025
But does his bat even justify that? Domínguez has one hit in seven at-bats so far this spring.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
In 100 riveting profiles, top basketball writers justify their selections and uncover the history of the NBA in the process.
—Sam Amick, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
The message is clear that he is justified in his actions and need not observe the law.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for justify
Garry Kasparov, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2025
But does his bat even justify that? Domínguez has one hit in seven at-bats so far this spring.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
In 100 riveting profiles, top basketball writers justify their selections and uncover the history of the NBA in the process.
—Sam Amick, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
The message is clear that he is justified in his actions and need not observe the law.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for justify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justify
Verb
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Huntsville Police Sergeant Christopher Jackson explained how the law specifically targets those who deliberately modify their vehicles to be louder.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
4 Mar. 2025
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The statement explained that among the discoveries were the remains of a mining camp dating back three millennia.—
Andrea Margolis,
Fox News,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Freire defended the title twice before adding the Bellator lightweight title to his trophy case.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
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Musk and President Donald Trump have defended the requirement, which calls on federal workers to list five personal accomplishments from the past week, though other White House officials had backed away from the suggestion that failing to do so will result in termination as Musk has said publicly.—
Christian Datoc,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
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While once seen as a sign of artistry, method acting had a rocky several years, with figures such as Succession’s Brian Cox decrying it and, seemingly, some of the public kicking back against its excesses, which is often used to excuse bad behavior.—
Callum Booth,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
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The judge did not say why the juror, who owns a truck repair business, was excused.—
Clifford Ward,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Though brands like Frame are preparing for a skinny jean comeback, Candiani anticipates wide-leg and baggy jeans to maintain their place as the most in-demand fits.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
27 Feb. 2025
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The Gordons have been left deeply screwed up by their deceased father — not just callous and clueless like all the ultra-rich, but unable to maintain healthy relationships with either partners or one another.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The Maryland Supreme Court then upheld his conviction last year.—
Charmaine Patterson,
People.com,
7 Mar. 2025
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In 2020, for instance, the court by a 5-4 vote upheld Trump's first-term firing of the head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
7 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Justify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justify. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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