justifies

verb

present tense third-person singular of justify
1
as in explains
to be an acceptable reason for you seem to think that losing a basketball game justifies a temper tantrum

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2
as in defends
to continue to declare to be true or proper despite opposition or objections failed to justify the need for a war at this time

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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 justifies Luxury fashion — an industry that justifies its price tag through the promise of human craftsmanship — has enjoyed nodding to robots, and in particular fem-bots, for decades. — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026 There's also the question of whether the energy transferred justifies the cost and complexity, particularly when conventional fast-charging stations are already expanding. — New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2026 The two younger actors might not have those lengthy careers but their talent easily justifies their growing reputations (Keery from Stranger Things, Rabe from, among other credits, American Horror Story and a fine roster of stage performances). — Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2026 The end of saving money and raising middle-class wages justifies the means, namely, the destruction of immigrant families. — Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026 The ultimate test is whether this expanding workforce can help companies generate the return on investment from AI that justifies the upfront costs. — Barbara Booth, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 That’s precisely the work AI is best suited to automate, not the work that justifies a marketing department. — Richard Freisberg, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 These are electric cars, which apparently justifies a vaguely techy-sounding alphanumeric assemblage. — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2026 Back at the hotel, the rooftop pool offers a welcome reset after a day exploring DTLA, while the gym is well-equipped and justifies bringing a set of workout clothes. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justifies
  1. explains
  2. defends
  3. maintains
  4. upholds
Verb
  • But the stock market is also known for volatility, which explains why some people shy away from investing in it.
    — Maurie Backman, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026
  • George Bonanno, a psychologist at Columbia University, explains that many people who have intense symptoms initially—such as nightmares and flashbacks—won’t develop PTSD.
    — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of explains
Verb
  • Continue reading … FACING SCRUTINY — Anthropic CEO defends record on safety, sales to China.
    — , FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Saturday is supposed to be a reward for another week of work, which is why Freeman so fiercely defends the right to celebrate all Notre Dame’s wins.
    — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of defends
Verb
  • Highfill maintains a covenant requiring utility rates to generate net revenues equal to at least 110% of maximum annual debt service on outstanding system bonds.
    — Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Valadao, bolstered by donations from Republican political action committees, maintains a substantial fundraising advantage.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of maintains
Verb
  • In February, President Pamela Whitten and the board of trustees supported and adopted the Chicago Principles, a set of guidelines regarding how the university upholds its free speech environment.
    — Cate Charron, IndyStar, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The letter was also sent to Harry and Meghan’s team and upholds Queen Elizabeth’s wishes when Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal roles in 2020.
    — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of upholds

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Cite this Entry

“Justifies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justifies. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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