justification

noun

Synonyms of justification
1
a
: the act or an instance of justifying something : vindication
arguments offered in justification of their choice
b
: an acceptable reason for doing something : something that justifies an act or way of behaving
could provide no justification for his decision
2
: the act, process, or state of being justified by God (see justify sense 2a)
3
: the process or result of justifying lines of text (see justify sense 3a)
software that provides automatic justification of text

Examples of justification in a Sentence

He tried to present a justification for his behavior. There is no possible justification for what she did. His behavior is without justification.
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.
More than 33 million, or 21% of the electorate, did not vote earlier this month, and could face a small fine for failing to cast a ballot without justification. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 Stewart was an executive producer of his friend Colbert’s show and harshly criticized the cancellation, rejecting Paramount’s financial justification and accusing the company of bending the knee to the president. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2026 Amid this intimacy, there are fundamental suspicions and self-serving justifications. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026 Preserve local input while avoiding a patchwork of regulations, ensuring communities are protected and industry provides sufficient justification and incentives. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for justification

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of justification was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

justification

noun
1
: the act or an instance of justifying or of being justified
2
: something that justifies : defense

Legal Definition

justification

noun
1
: the act or an instance of justifying
2
: something that justifies
specifically : a legally sufficient reason or cause (as self-defense) for an act that would otherwise be criminal or tortious
3
: the affirmative defense of having a legally sufficient justification compare excuse

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