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.

Since becoming the party’s propaganda minister in 2022, Li has championed Xi’s program to invoke Chinese arts, traditions and history to justify Communist rule and boost Beijing’s soft power.

From The Wall Street Journal

Current Fed Chair Jerome Powell pointed to elevated inflation and some improvement in a frail labor market to justify standing pat.

From MarketWatch

By the department’s definition, a homicide can be “cleared” through an arrest or other factors, including if the killing was deemed legally justified or the suspect dies.

From Los Angeles Times

These details have been publicised by China to justify its tough treatment of the families.

From BBC

Both Miller and Noem justified the shootings in the immediate aftermath.

From Los Angeles Times

justify

Example Sentences

Related Words