self-justification

noun

self-jus·ti·fi·ca·tion ˌself-ˌjə-stə-fə-ˈkā-shən

: the act or an instance of making excuses for oneself

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web And Taylor is hilarious as a very stoned listener to Harvey’s self-justifications. —

Celia Wren, Washington Post, 16 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-justification.' 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

circa 1775, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of self-justification was circa 1775

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near self-justification

selfist

self-justification

self-justifying

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Self-justification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-justification. Accessed 5 Jun. 2023.

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