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show cause

VERB

justify

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 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.

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show cause

The original 2023 study was small and correlational, so it cannot show cause and effect.

From Science Daily ● May 31, 2026

Mamdani would need to show cause and he could face legal challenges.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 18, 2025

Or, following Monday’s pattern, she could issue an immediate order for him to show cause why he should not be held in contempt.

From Slate ● Oct. 17, 2023

Football Australia has vowed to impose heavy punishments against those found responsible and has ordered Melbourne Victory to show cause by Wednesday why it should not face severe sanctions for the conduct of its supporters.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 18, 2022

Kyril Montana said, “So—?” Bookman leaned back with his hands clasped behind his head: “So we almost served him with papers to show cause that he has water rights on that piece of land.”

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols

show cause

Example Sentences

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