self-justification

noun

self-jus·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌself-ˌjə-stə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce self-justification (audio)
: 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

Dictionary Entries Near self-justification

Cite this Entry

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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