self-justifying

adjective

self-jus·​ti·​fy·​ing ˌself-ˈjə-stə-ˌfī-iŋ 

: seeking to justify oneself

Examples of self-justifying in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Giuffre takes an interest in Epstein’s own self-justifying attitude toward his crimes. — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 25 Oct. 2025

Prometheus is the unshackled man who shouldn’t worry about consent or consequence, the very vision of the self-justifying right-wing idiot. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025

In an attempt to broach the topic of money and medicine, the AMA’s Journal of Ethics presents a self-justifying analysis. — David Marks, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2025

The tone—equal parts awestruck and self-justifying—can wear thin, especially when interspersed with name-drops and personal triumphs that lack deeper introspection. — Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025

Men and women respond to the Nazi dictatorship by becoming, at best, evasive and feebly self-justifying, at worst, morally broken. — David Denby, New Yorker, 23 May 2025

Now consider what happens with AI either self-justifying a bad response or being unable to make a decision fast enough. — New Atlas, 6 Apr. 2025

Yet in the years after World War II, many Germans were in varying degrees unrepentant, nationalistic or self-justifying. — Gary J. Bass, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-justifying

• amplifying
• beautifying
• certifying
• clarifying
• classifying
• codifying
• crucifying
• edifying
• falsifying
• fortifying
• glorifying
• gratifying