Definitions

justify

[juhs-tuh-fahy] / ˈdʒʌs təˌfaɪ /

VERB

legitimize, substantiate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

advocate condone confirm countenance defend explain favor maintain rationalize support sustain uphold validate vindicate warrant

STRONG

absolve acquit alibi approve assert brief claim clear contend crawl establish exculpate excuse exonerate legalize palliate pardon plead rebut square verify

WEAK

answer for apologize for argue for be answerable for bear out cop a plea do justice to make allowances make good show cause speak in favor stand up for

Antonyms

STRONGEST

attack condemn contradict deny desert disapprove neglect oppose refuse reject veto

STRONG

accuse blame charge convict damn disagree disprove incriminate invalidate punish 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.

Pyongyang has for decades justified its nuclear and missile programmes as a deterrent against alleged regime change efforts by Washington.

From Barron's

"The pretexts used to justify such actions are untenable. Ideological hostility has triumphed over businesslike pragmatism," it added.

From Barron's

City Comptroller Brad Lander rejected the contract, already under way, citing concerns about DocGo’s “integrity” and “responsibility” and HPD’s failure to justify the price tag.

From The Wall Street Journal

To further justify my car rental, I drove 25 minutes down to Sullivan’s Island, home to Fort Moultrie.

From The Wall Street Journal

In its brief, Chicago claimed it “has a global mission,” which is what justified its stance on immigration law.

From The Wall Street Journal

justify

Example Sentences

Related Words