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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.

“If you hate your wife, it’s a lot easier to justify exploiting her unpaid labor for your own personal gain,” she told me.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

He said the Home Office "made manifest errors", including failing to provide "appropriate and sufficient reasons to justify" awarding the contract to MTC.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

But not every energy target will meet that standard, and the military benefit doesn’t justify plunging 90 million people into darkness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

“Activity is now concentrated among disciplined public operators who correctly view stop-start development as value-destructive, and current strip pricing fails to justify the multi-year investment required for market rebalancing.”

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

Such claims could justify minority views; prior to 1492 they were never conclusive in settling an intellectual debate.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton