justify

Definition for justify

verb as in legitimize, substantiate

Strongest matches

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

Strong matches

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

Weak matches

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

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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.

Nevertheless, lots of ink continues to be spilled, and lots of podcasts streamed, to justify or not the operatic credentials of “West Side Story.”

From Los Angeles Times

Made-up accusations that abortion causes depression or breast cancer were employed to justify lengthy waiting periods or unnecessary red tape that only served to shut down abortion clinics.

From Salon

Israel has used its mission to eliminate Hamas in order to justify air strikes on other Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar.

From BBC

"This is exactly the risk right now here in Moldova," the prime minister says, justifying using such scare tactics.

From BBC

It also serves the purpose of justifying Eleanor’s well-intentioned deception with lessons from the Torah.

From Los Angeles Times

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justify

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