justifiable

adjective

jus·​ti·​fi·​able ˈjə-stə-ˌfī-ə-bəl 

: capable of being justified : excusable

… justifiable family pride.

—Current Biography

justifiability

ˌjə-stə-ˌfī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

justifiably

ˈjə-stə-ˌfī-ə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of justifiable

• legitimate
• acceptable
• supportable
• defendable
• viable
• rational
• reasonable
• maintainable
• defensible

Examples of justifiable in a Sentence

had justifiable reasons for leaving early

Recent Examples on the Web

Voters don’t vote for a whole host of reasons — none of them justifiable, in our opinion. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026

There may be justifiable reasons for those teams to avoid the Red Raiders, including some residual frustration and anger over the handling of the Brandon Sorsby situation. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026

The Fort Worth Independence Day shooting that killed one near Lake Arlington is being investigated as a justifiable homicide, according to a police report. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026

Police are investigating the incident as a justifiable homicide, according to the release. — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for justifiable

• liable
• pliable
• triable
• viable
• classifiable
• modifiable
• notifiable
• satisfiable
• specifiable
• undeniable
• unreliable
• verifiable

Legal Definition

justifiable

adjective

jus·​ti·​fi·​able ˌjəs-tə-ˈfī-ə-bəl 

: capable of being justified

justifiable reliance