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.

Unlike past bubble setups, the market hasn’t been flooded with tech IPOs, with those to come likely to offer justification for differentiating within the sector.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

For once there was a justification for Mr. Koolhaas’s sportive diagonals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

The Syrian foreign ministry denounced the attack as "an outrageous assault on Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity" and called Israel's justification "flimsy pretexts and fabricated excuses".

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

Jassy’s justification is that much of the spending has to happen now to pay off later.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

He’d planned to leave but the rain was justification enough to stay.

From "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy

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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