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.

The committee said there was no justification for screening the large majority of men for prostate cancer.

From BBC

When tail risk fades, the justification for holding oversize hedges weakens.

From MarketWatch

Muir cited this week’s price behavior in silver as justification for his hunch.

From MarketWatch

But for markets, the justification matters less than the method.

From Barron's

Either way, authenticity becomes the justification for exclusion.

From Salon