JUSTIFY Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'justify' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of justify are assert , defend , maintain , and vindicate . While all these words mean "to uphold as true, right, just, or reasonable," justify implies showing to be true, just, or valid by appeal to a standard or to precedent. // the action was used to justify military intervention

Q: When might 'assert' be a better fit than 'justify'?

The synonyms assert and justify are sometimes interchangeable, but assert suggests determination to make others accept one's claim. // asserted her rights

Q: In what contexts can 'defend' take the place of 'justify'?

The words defend and justify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defend implies maintaining in the face of attack or criticism. // defended his voting record

Q: When would 'maintain' be a good substitute for 'justify'?

While in some cases nearly identical to justify , maintain stresses firmness of conviction. // steadfastly maintained his innocence

Q: When is it sensible to use 'vindicate' instead of 'justify'?

In some situations, the words vindicate and justify are roughly equivalent. However, vindicate implies successfully defending. // his success vindicated our faith in him

justify

verb

ˈjə-stə-ˌfī

Definition of justify next

as in to explain

to be an acceptable reason for you seem to think that losing a basketball game justifies a temper tantrum

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as in to defend

to continue to declare to be true or proper despite opposition or objections failed to justify the need for a war at this time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the verb justify differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of justify are assert, defend, maintain, and vindicate. While all these words mean "to uphold as true, right, just, or reasonable," justify implies showing to be true, just, or valid by appeal to a standard or to precedent.

the action was used to justify military intervention

When might assert be a better fit than justify?

The synonyms assert and justify are sometimes interchangeable, but assert suggests determination to make others accept one's claim.

asserted her rights

In what contexts can defend take the place of justify?

The words defend and justify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defend implies maintaining in the face of attack or criticism.

defended his voting record

When would maintain be a good substitute for justify?

While in some cases nearly identical to justify, maintain stresses firmness of conviction.

steadfastly maintained his innocence

When is it sensible to use vindicate instead of justify?

In some situations, the words vindicate and justify are roughly equivalent. However, vindicate implies successfully defending.

his success vindicated our faith in him

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of justify Trump's historically critical stance on aid to Ukraine justifies some concern. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 Federal and state prosecutors have said those officers were justified in returning fire, since Ms. Taylor’s boyfriend shot at them first. —

Dylan Lovan, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Nov. 2024 The fact that its nuclear warheads are so close to Ukraine could, in fact, tempt Russia to conduct a false-flag operation on its own storage sites in order to justify a nuclear attack. —

William M. Moon, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024 Traders have been betting for months that a Trump victory could enhance the value of Truth Social — though justifying its current price tag would be very difficult even if Trump is back in the White House. —

Matt Egan, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for justify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for justify

Verb

More:Operation Lone Star explained: What's happening in Eagle Pass, Texas?

John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
And, as a clinical social worker explains this morning, the problem is only getting worse.

Joanna Allhands, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024