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.

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 given Melbourne Victory until Wednesday "to show cause why they should not face serious sanctions for bringing the game into disrepute through the conduct of its supporters".

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2022

Another former assistant coach, Mark Phelps, was given a two-year show cause after he provided “an impermissible benefit to a student-athlete and then directed the student-athlete to conceal the violation.”

From Seattle Times • Dec. 14, 2022

I am not hopeful, yet all events show cause for hope.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin

show cause

Example Sentences

Related Words