justification

[juhs-tuh-fi-key-shuhn] / ˌdʒʌs tə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

NOUN

reason, excuse

Synonyms

STRONGEST

apology approval argument basis confirmation explanation pretext rationale rationalization vindication

STRONG

absolution account acquittal advocacy answer apologia cop-out defense exculpation exoneration extenuation grounds idea mitigation palliation palliative plea rebuttal reply response sanctification story support validation warrant wherefore

WEAK

raison d'être song and dance whatfor whitewashing whole idea why and wherefore

Antonyms

STRONGEST

charge indictment opposition

STRONG

question request sentence

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Of those, half were compliant but flagged for procedural mistakes like not including a written justification.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

That is the justification for the winners earning high valuations.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

“Literally thousands of nominations with absolutely no justification for why it needed to be there.”

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

But Davie and the BBC can argue - with some justification - that the departure of Mills shows its new processes and practices are working well.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Poetry was the processing of my thoughts until the slag of justification fell away and I was left with the cold steel truths of life.

From "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Vocabulary lists containing justification

You Be the Judge: Jud, Jur, Jus

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A Monster Calls

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A Lesson Before Dying

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