Synonym Chooser

How does the verb justify differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of justify are assert, defend, maintain, and vindicate. While all these words mean "to uphold as true, right, just, or reasonable," justify implies showing to be true, just, or valid by appeal to a standard or to precedent.

the action was used to justify military intervention

When might assert be a better fit than justify?

The synonyms assert and justify are sometimes interchangeable, but assert suggests determination to make others accept one's claim.

asserted her rights

In what contexts can defend take the place of justify?

The words defend and justify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defend implies maintaining in the face of attack or criticism.

defended his voting record

When would maintain be a good substitute for justify?

While in some cases nearly identical to justify, maintain stresses firmness of conviction.

steadfastly maintained his innocence

When is it sensible to use vindicate instead of justify?

In some situations, the words vindicate and justify are roughly equivalent. However, vindicate implies successfully defending.

his success vindicated our faith in him

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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justify
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
  • Freire defended the title twice before adding the Bellator lightweight title to his trophy case.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • 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
  • 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
  • The judge did not say why the juror, who owns a truck repair business, was excused.
    Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
  • The Maryland Supreme Court then upheld his conviction last year.
    Charmaine Patterson, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Justify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justify. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on justify

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