1
a
: having a basis in or conforming to fact or reason : reasonable
had just reason to believe he was in danger
b
: conforming to a standard of correctness : proper
just proportions
c
archaic
: faithful to an original
justly
adverb
just·ness
ˈjəs(t)nə̇s 
plural -es
: the quality or state of being just: such as
a
: righteousness, uprightness
address as Jehovah a composite idea of authority, fatherhood, justness—
Joseph Macleod
Joseph Macleod
c
: conformity with some standard of aesthetic correctness or propriety : rightness, accuracy, precision, nicety
set forth with a justness and care that proclaimed him a master orchestral artisan—Winthrop Sargeant
Winthrop Sargeantestimating the justness of the imitation—Irving Babbitt
Irving Babbittimpressive in the absolute justness of its design—R. M. Coates
R. M. Coateswhich he renders with a memorable justness and beauty—Edward Sackville-West
Edward Sackville-WestExamples of just in a Sentence
Adjective
a just cause for war
The college treated the allegation with just seriousness.
They got their just punishment for the crime.
Recent Examples on the Web
Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
The next phase allows the coaching staff to take part in what the Cowboys have already been doing for the last few weeks in voluntary workouts with just players.
—Nick Harris
june 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 June 2026
This year’s Prix Versailles, the annual architecture and design awards announced at UNESCO, looks at more than just appearance.
—Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
With just days remaining before California's June 2 primary election, voter turnout remains relatively low statewide, even as election officials encourage residents to cast their ballots before Tuesday's deadline.
—Da Lin, CBS News, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for just
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Adjective
But somewhere along the way, my love for football turned into more than just passion.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
The next phase allows the coaching staff to take part in what the Cowboys have already been doing for the last few weeks in voluntary workouts with just players.
—Nick Harris
june 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 June 2026
This year’s Prix Versailles, the annual architecture and design awards announced at UNESCO, looks at more than just appearance.
—Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
With just days remaining before California's June 2 primary election, voter turnout remains relatively low statewide, even as election officials encourage residents to cast their ballots before Tuesday's deadline.
—Da Lin, CBS News, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for just
Cite this Entry
“Just.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/just. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
just
1 of 2 adjective1
a
: well-founded, reasonable
a just comment
b
: being in agreement with a standard of correctness : proper
a just price
2
a
: morally right or good : righteous
a just cause for war
b
: being deserved
just punishment
3
: legally right
a just title
justly
adverb
just
2 of 2 adverb
(ˌ)jəst
(ˌ)jist,
(ˌ)jest
1
a
: exactly sense 1, precisely
just right
b
: very recently
the bell just rang
2
a
: by a small amount : barely
just over the line
b
: immediately sense 1, directly
just west of here
3
a
: nothing more than : only
just a note
b
: quite sense 1, very
just wonderful
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