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
Relevance
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
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 justify
Judge Mitchell rejected that argument, ruling Duran was not justified in using deadly force.
—
Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
The fact that the boats may have had drugs was enough to justify those actions.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026
That argument is still used to justify the retention of statues of Confederate generals, every one of whom was a traitor, in prominent public places.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 6 Feb. 2026
The idea that Black people sit somewhere between white people and apes has long been used to justify cruelty.
—Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for justify
Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
The fact that the boats may have had drugs was enough to justify those actions.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026
That argument is still used to justify the retention of statues of Confederate generals, every one of whom was a traitor, in prominent public places.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 6 Feb. 2026
The idea that Black people sit somewhere between white people and apes has long been used to justify cruelty.
—Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for justify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justify
Verb
-
Whitwam explains that Catalina mule deer hunting was traditionally reserved for island residents and their guests, or hunters who were willing to book with a local guide.—
Kris Millgate,
Outdoor Life,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs argued Brady’s role as a sports network broadcaster — not just a Patriots icon — explains his neutral stance.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
No artist, agent or employee should ever be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Both coffee and tea contain bioactive ingredients such as polyphenols and caffeine, which may reduce inflammation and cellular damage while defending against cognitive decline.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Judges have a duty to uphold statutes designed to protect victims, to respect the lawful role of law enforcement, and to ensure that criminal conduct is addressed through the rule of law — not excused, minimized, or politicized.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Feb. 2026
-
But opportunists in a crowd don’t excuse reckless governance.—
Melissa Derosa,
New York Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Members of the final 18-person jury panel will be allowed to maintain their normal social media use throughout the trial.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Authorities stressed that the game sites — located in Lombardy on the Swiss border, Cortina d’Ampezzo in Veneto and Val di Fiemme in Trentino — remain safe, well-maintained and closely monitored.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The company aims to maintain production continuity to assist workers with repetitive, physically demanding tasks while upholding quality and safety standards.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Feb. 2026
-
An appeals court decision upheld those sanctions.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Justify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justify. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
