Definition of justifynext

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 Legal argument explains why that outrage is justified under enduring principles of government. Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 And yet at the start of the Mass, a priest read aloud a statement justifying the consecrations as a necessary defense of the faith and criticizing how the Catholic Church today had deviated from tradition. ABC News, 1 July 2026 Stephen Miller and his ilk are seeking to rewrite history to justify their vision of the future of America. Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 That may be why Amodei felt justified in turning down the administration’s request to voluntarily pull Fable off the market, according to a story in Politico. Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for justify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justify
Verb
  • Carpino retired in April, without ever explaining what was not right in the organization or, based on the standings, repairing it.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Davies explains that Provenance adds value, as does good condition, because textiles are particularly unforgiving and easy to damage.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • While San Francisco’s bullpen is struggling, Rogers is in the midst of another excellent season after signing a three-year, $37 million deal to join the defending American League champions.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • This year, Argentina is defending its World Cup title, with Messi widely regarded as one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
    Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Demings uses the go-to excuse that state legislation bans using the TDT on local projects.
    Mike Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2026
  • She’s been canceled, kidnapped, and bamboozled, happy to tell anyone who’ll listen, and who’ll excuse her typos.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Those resources include avenues to help seniors maintain regular exercise, ongoing positive social connections, appropriate living situations, transportation and more.
    Rachel Brown Kirkland, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
  • The business in question is stealing Georgia’s nightclub idea, though Charlie maintains that’s not what’s happening because his club won’t have any bowling.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • On the surface, the Supreme Court’s June 30 opinion upholding state laws barring transgender girls from women’s and girl’s sports teams looks like a victory for women’s rights.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Last year, the Supreme Court upheld a different Texas law requiring that pornographic websites verify users are at least 18 to allow access.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 6 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Justify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justify. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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