just 1 of 2

1
2
3
as in only
nothing more than I was just kidding

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in right
as stated or indicated without the slightest difference the length of the curtain is just right

Synonyms & Similar Words

5
6

just

2 of 2

adjective

1
2
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4
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6

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective just differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of just are conscientious, honest, honorable, scrupulous, and upright. While all these words mean "having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right," just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable.

workers given just compensation

How are the words conscientious and scrupulous related as synonyms of just?

Both conscientious and scrupulous imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience.

conscientious in the completion of her assignments
scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will

Where would honest be a reasonable alternative to just?

In some situations, the words honest and just are roughly equivalent. However, honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, or fairness.

known for being honest in business dealings

When might honorable be a better fit than just?

While in some cases nearly identical to just, honorable suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty.

a difficult but honorable decision

When is upright a more appropriate choice than just?

The synonyms upright and just are sometimes interchangeable, but upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles.

a stern and upright minister

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of just
Adverb
The Apple Watch's new hypertension notifications feature has received FDA approval, just days after it was announced at Apple's annual fall event. PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025 The Kansas City Current have also scored a league-leading 36 goals, eight more than the Washington Spirit and San Diego Wave, while conceding just 10. Asli Pelit, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
It was simply held accountable in a just settlement. Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025 Since 2000, at least 23 countries have expanded the focus of their central banks beyond just inflation. Ana Carolina Garriga, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for just
Recent Examples of Synonyms for just
Adverb
  • Dillane is the first-ever Brooklyn Arts Ambassador—what that means, exactly, remains to be determined.
    José Criales-Unzueta, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2025
  • So that’s exactly what Arcutis did.
    Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • The earliest cars had a 1,131 cc flat-four engine that made 25 hp, barely sufficient to let the 1,700-pound pipsqueak keep up in the right lane of the Autobahn.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Tons of Spanx shapewear and intimates are on sale, including this wireless bra that offers full coverage, compression, and barely-there straps.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • The remaining 16 states have chosen a more relaxed approach, with some recommending the individual school districts decide their own policies, and others, like Puerto Rico, only requiring a policy to be formed by 2026.
    Arthur Jones II, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2025
  • In his acceptance speech, Cooper revealed only started drama classes a couple of years ago and encouraged those watching to step out of their comfort zones.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 15 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Thanks to many hair- and scalp-care innovations, the best ingredients for hair growth products are a feasible means to achieving thicker, longer tresses right at home.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Trump was right again in concluding that the Federal Reserve has been too late in responding to the deterioration of the job market.
    Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • For the Chinese supplier faced with growing uncertainties, tapping a different market may simply be the safer bet.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
  • These are all totally valid and understandable concerns and can’t be dismissed as barriers to be overcome simply through top-down education and messaging.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Brian Lockwood has had plenty on his plate lately.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025
  • While calls outnumber puts on an absolute basis, the rate of put buying has picked up lately.
    Schaeffer's Investment Research, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Today, as the world's justified horror at the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza grows, that work has taken on new urgency.
    Andrew Weinstein, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Instead, the miniseries — adapted from Michelle Frances’ novel by Naomi Sheldon and Gabbie Asher — makes clear relatively early that even if both women are at fault, one of them is far more justified than the other in her level of mistrust.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • That is logical, but Emmys aren’t always logical.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Sometimes, certain decisions feel easier than others, even when both types of choices (intuitive and logical) seem important.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Just.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/just. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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