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
3
4
5
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 latest forecast track from the National Hurricane Center continues to push the slow-moving storm — moving forward at just 2 mph on Thursday morning — west through the Central Caribbean through early next week. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025 This features Cinnabon’s famous Center of the Roll, which is just the soft center topped with warm diced apples, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and streusel crumble topping. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Each summary is created to deliver real, actionable takeaways and can be consumed in just minutes. PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2025 Additionally, America’s ability to compete in important sectors like AI, semiconductors, climate tech, and biotech depends on more than just invention. K. H. Koehler, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for just
Recent Examples of Synonyms for just
Adverb
  • That’s exactly what grief is, and acknowledging the beauty of it all rather than living in the darkness.
    Benjamin VanHoose, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly.
    Detroit Free Press Staff, Freep.com, 20 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Nashville could have scored before Messi’s opener when Jacob Shaffelburg found open space to attack but managed only a weak shot that barely troubled Rocco Rios Novo.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • According to Bookman, his partner was struggling with substance abuse and was barely able to stay afloat, even with the success of his invention.
    Otto Rabe, Cincinnati Enquirer, 24 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Even with nominally neutral districts, Republicans only have about 17% of California’s House seats despite 38% of state voters backing Trump in 2024.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Neither team scored through the first quarter, and the 49ers had only one possession, which started with a sack (allowed by Dominick Puni) before McCaffrey and Brian Robinson keyed a drive that didn’t get past the Falcons’ 42-yard line.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • As in years past, there was plenty of heated debate, some clever campaigning on social media, a last-minute push for votes from A-list significant others and a few races that were neck-and-neck right up until the last ballot was cast.
    Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • And also sign up for our free Survivor newsletter to have all the goodies sent right to your digital doorstep.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • That’s simply because of the person speaking.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2025
  • When laundry day rolls around, simply throw the durable topper in the laundry with the rest of your bedding for easy maintenance and tumble dry with no heat.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • The Packers are a team that has come up in trade rumors lately.
    Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Jenner’s been on a textured heel streak lately.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Shares of Darden Restaurants have added 1% this year, but Cho said that Darden Restaurant’s somewhat elevated current valuation still seems justified.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
  • City officials say the hikes are justified, because San Diego loses revenue when parking spots that could otherwise have meters are devoted to other uses like dining or valet parking drop-off and pickup.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In terms of strategics, the growing media and entertainment trend of integrating physical park assets into cross-platform media ecosystems makes the industry a logical candidate.
    Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Bipolar disorder involves alternating episodes of depression and mania, a state where thoughts race, impulsive decisions feel logical, and sleep becomes almost optional.
    Essence, Essence, 23 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Just.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/just. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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