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.

So some investors may worry that spreads aren’t wide enough to justify the extra risk of holding bonds that can default.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

During his inaugural Palm Sunday address, the pontiff denounced those who use God to justify war and urged prayers for peace, particularly for those suffering in the Middle East.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

“While having SpaceX listed would bring substantial value to an exchange, this alone should not justify altering the method used to determine index inclusion,” Matturri wrote in a LinkedIn post.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, said it was an "unfortunate overreach" that was "difficult to understand or justify".

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

It was a cloudless day in late September, cold enough to justify a coat, but warm enough that a sleeved dress with tights could be managed.

From "Turtles All the Way Down" by John Green

justify

Example Sentences

Related Words