justifiable

1 of 2

adjective

jus·​ti·​fi·​able ˈjə-stə-ˌfī-ə-bəl How to pronounce justifiable (audio)
Synonyms of justifiablenext
: capable of being justified : excusable
… justifiable family pride.—Current Biography
justifiability
ˌjə-stə-ˌfī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce justifiable (audio)
noun
justifiably
ˈjə-stə-ˌfī-ə-blē How to pronounce justifiable (audio)
adverb

justifiability

2 of 2

noun

jus·​ti·​fi·​abil·​i·​ty ˌjəstəˌfīəˈbilətē How to pronounce justifiability (audio)
-ətē, 
-i
plural -es
: the quality of being justifiable

Synonyms of justifiable

Relevance

Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of justifiable in a Sentence

Adjective had justifiable reasons for leaving early
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.
Adjective
Some homicides on the list may be judged by authorities as justifiable. — Kansas City Star, 26 May 2026 And maybe, Alice wonders, this killer is killing for a justifiable reason. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 June 2026 Paul's insistence that Usyk lost is justifiable. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 And there may be perfectly justifiable reasons. — CBS News, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for justifiable

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1561, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of justifiable was in 1561

Rhymes for justifiable

See All Rhymes for justifiable

Browse Nearby Words

justifiability
justifiable
justifiableness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Justifiable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/justifiable. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

justifiable

adjective
jus·​ti·​fi·​able ˌjəs-tə-ˈfī-ə-bəl How to pronounce justifiable (audio)
: capable of being justified
justifiable reliance
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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