plural justices
Synonyms of justicenext
1
a
: the process or result of using laws to fairly judge cases, redress wrongs, and punish crimes
meting out justice
social justice
The role of the courts is to dispense justice to everyone.
… efforts … to make it easier for many government employees to seek justice against workplace harassers …—The New York Times
b
: judge
especially : a judge of an appellate court or court of last resort (as a supreme court)
a supreme court justice
As in most of their high-profile cases, the justices appear to be split along ideological lines. —Rayna Reid Rayford
The pioneering equal rights litigator was the 107th justice and second woman to serve. —The Arizona Republic
—used as a title
Justice Marshall
c
: the administration of law
a fugitive from justice
especially : the establishment or determination of rights according to the rules of law or equity
a system of justice
2
a
: the quality of being just, impartial, or fair
questioned the justice of their decision
b(1)
: the principle or ideal of fair treatment or right action
striving to achieve justice for all people
Friends and fans join forces to find justice for their friend.—Karen MacPherson and Deborah Taylor
(2)
: conformity to this principle or ideal : righteousness
the justice of their cause
see also poetic justice
3
: conformity to truth, fact, or reason : correctness
… admitted that there was much justice in these observations …—T. L. Peacock

Examples of justice in a Sentence

They received justice in court. the U.S. Department of Justice criminals attempting to escape justice The role of the courts is to dispense justice fairly to everyone. She is a justice of the state supreme court. I saw no justice in the court's decision. We should strive to achieve justice for all people.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The partnership made Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, and Roc Nation a co-producer of the halftime show and NFL social justice initiatives. — Aoife Walsh, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026 Dad believed fervently in the United Nations’ goals of world peace, justice, and human rights. — Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026 But the gesture seemed designed to cast doubt on the French judiciary’s verdict, suggesting that even a supposedly sovereign justice system was vulnerable to American meddling. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026 As polls were closing, Brazilian Supreme Court justice Cristiano Zanin ruled to extend voting nationwide for two hours following requests from both candidates. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for justice

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French justise, from Latin justitia, from justus just entry 1.

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of justice was in the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Justice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/justice. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: just conduct, management, or treatment
do justice to a book
2
b
: the administration of law
received justice in court
3
a
: the quality of being fair or just
b
: basis in morality, the right, or the law

Legal Definition

1
a
: the quality of being just, impartial, or fair
it is not the province of the court to decide upon the justice or injustice…of these laws—Scott v. Sanford, 60 U.S. 393 (1857)
b
: the principle or ideal of just dealing
also : conformity to the principle or ideal of just dealing
2
a
: the administration of law
a fugitive from justice
especially : the establishment or determination of rights according to law or equity
system of justice
b
: fair, just, or impartial legal process
courts or tribunals…for the administration of international justice—G. R. Winters
3
: judge
especially : a judge of an appellate court or court of last resort (as a supreme court)
insults to particular justices and threats of civil disobedience were bandied freely —R. H. Bork
Etymology

Old French, from Latin justitia, from justus just

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