justifiable

adjective

jus·​ti·​fi·​able ˈjə-stə-ˌfī-ə-bəl How to pronounce justifiable (audio)
: capable of being justified : excusable
justifiable family prideCurrent Biography
justifiably adverb

Examples of justifiable in a Sentence

had justifiable reasons for leaving early
Recent Examples on the Web In that sense, much of Israel’s war — the strategy, if not always the specific tactics — is what a justifiable campaign against such an enemy inevitably looks like. Ross Douthat, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2024 There also may be situations where carbon storage is justifiable on fertilizer plants that have been around for decades, Grubert said. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 1 Feb. 2024 The number would be backed up by jobs that need to be filled, and by state, and include some justifiable refugees. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 12 Jan. 2024 These are small, justifiable edits that nevertheless illustrate how facts drift over time, distorted by consensus and, later, history. Kriston Capps, Washington Post, 31 Jan. 2024 Jerry Giesler butted in and declared that the killing was a case of justifiable homicide. Carly Tagen-Dye, Peoplemag, 28 Jan. 2024 This has necessitated additional security, with cops remaining stationed outside to control the protest crowd, all of which feeds Kristine’s justifiable irritability. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Jan. 2024 Some homicides on the list may be judged by authorities as justifiable. Andrea Klick, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2024 Christian’s death is the seventh to be ruled justifiable. Carol Robinson | Crobinson@al.com, al, 24 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'justifiable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of justifiable was in 1561

Dictionary Entries Near justifiable

Cite this Entry

“Justifiable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/justifiable. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Legal Definition

justifiable

adjective
jus·​ti·​fi·​able ˌjəs-tə-ˈfī-ə-bəl How to pronounce justifiable (audio)
: capable of being justified
justifiable reliance
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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