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
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.
Stand your ground laws and their complicated history Most stand your ground laws center around justifiable uses of force, according to Cynthia Godsoe, a professor of criminal law at Brooklyn Law School. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025 Homicides involving white shooters and Black victims are more likely to be ruled justifiable than those involving Black shooters and white victims. Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 17 Oct. 2025 In fact, for symbolic thinkers, nearly any statement should be justifiable. Abraham Rutchick, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025 Speaking of the penalty the Ferrari driver was handed, F1's governing body, the FIA, stated that Hamilton's argument of going off track to manage his brake failure situation was not justifiable. Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for justifiable

Word History

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of justifiable was in 1561

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Justifiable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/justifiable. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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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