just 1 of 2

Definition of justnext
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

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
Not just in contrast to the hijinks around them, the two feel grounded and worth rooting for. Naveen Kumar, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026 Rewards do not have to be reserved for just gas, either. Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
But for Amber, the journey is about more than just numbers. Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026 Even during limited early observations, the telescope has detected thousands of moving objects in just days, far outpacing traditional asteroid surveys, according to a statement from the NSF NOIRLab. Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for just
Recent Examples of Synonyms for just
Adverb
  • What that means, exactly, remains an ongoing debate.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
  • When Daikin Park’s jumbotron showed exactly that, Chisholm could only laugh at himself.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Behind the table was an orchestra, barely playing loud enough to hear.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
  • For Minter and DeCosta, the heavy lifting has barely started.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Orlando got just 85 yards on the ground, but that was after the Storm had only gained 10 rushing yards in the first half.
    Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2026
  • These standards are not only more functional, but reduce the night sky glow, are more energy efficient, reduce wildlife impacts and contribute to better health.
    Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Air traffic control told the pilots to turn right, which put them on a potential collision course with another 737 that had been cleared for takeoff from a parallel runway.
    Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
  • We, as Peter Hook and the Light, have been right behind it from the word go.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Some of the most beautiful nights of my life have been spent under the stars watching a meteor shower, comet or simply a dazzling Milky Way.
    Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • If tension rises, restate your point simply.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Culinary trends come in waves, and lately French restaurants have been in vogue in San Diego County.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Although the first 10 days of the season saw rough production, the group has been at a different level lately.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The justified issue with this latest Cowboys-Arlington deal Ross did not return a call to the Star-Telegram.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2026
  • But the federal monitor in place since that ruling has repeatedly said that even when officers conduct a legally justified stop, the subsequent frisk or more invasive search is too often not justified.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The logical stop would be Torrey Pines in San Diego, which checks the West Coast and great weather boxes, but the venue is also looking for a new sponsor, as its deal with Farmers Insurance ended in 2026.
    Mark Harris, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Delane gains steam LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, who visited the Dolphins last week and has repeatedly been linked to Miami at 11, would be a logical pick.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Just.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/just. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on just

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster