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.

“We cannot rationally justify a pause when a Governing Council driven by an insurance motive now faces a substantially worse inflation outlook than in March,” he added.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

After the dismal winter, the retained management structure needed any sort of victory to begin to justify the faith that has been shown in them.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

Gapen at Morgan Stanley said this is important because the Fed could justify rate hikes if there is a risk of higher prices.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026

Steve Ruby, an attorney for the Justices, said allegations in the Rowlings’ lawsuit are baseless and designed to justify an illegal effort to take control of the Greenbrier.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

Even as genetics was being used to justify sweeping changes in law and society, the gene itself had remained a doggedly abstract entity, a ghost lurking in the biological machine.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Vocabulary lists containing justify

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 3

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

You Be the Judge: Jud, Jur, Jus

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!