Definition of justnext
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as in only
nothing more than I was just kidding

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
Once the weather gets colder, just layer a cardigan or boxy blazer on top—same cool-girl vibes, just a little warmer. — Erin Parker, Glamour, 22 Sep. 2026 Even just approaching the embassy for routine consular services can expose people to observation. — Andrew Nachemson, The Dial, 22 Sep. 2026
Adjective
In fact, similar materials that take months to produce can be created in just days. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026 Ramen dishes have become a favorite for quick, satisfying meals, and this recipe comes together in just minutes. — Linda Gassenheimer, Boston Herald, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for just
Recent Examples of Synonyms for just
Adverb
  • Miami Marlins star Sandy Alcantara has 212 innings, and Philadelphia Phillies ace Cristopher Sánchez has exactly 200.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Nugget Schmiede Since Schmiede did its work straight on top of a Nugget camper van, not a Ford Transit Custom van, the floor plan below remains exactly the same as a stock Nugget straight from Ford.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • Many could barely see the painting clearly with their own eyes, yet they were focused on capturing it.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • And yet, it could be argued that this list of likely candidates barely scratches the surface.
    — Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • Trump is hosting Xi in Washington this week as their economic and tech competition is only escalating, especially through an artificial intelligence race.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026
  • These figures will only grow as ASEAN’s middle class comes into its own.
    — Jon M. Huntsman, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • Then Underwood dropped back, stepped up, rolled right and threw a long touchdown pass to Buchanan for a 19-14 lead.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The beach is right there for swimming and paddleboarding when the surf is calm, and the trails through the dunes are manageable for kids old enough to walk them without being carried.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • The goal was never simply tourism revenue, but creating culturally safe employment for Ahousaht members, welcoming outsiders into the Nation’s 250,000-hectare territory, and reasserting presence on land their people were historically displaced from.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Taken together, the announcements show Meta moving beyond the idea of glasses as simply VR or camera devices.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • With housing prices high across the region, Kuna has lately emerged as an attractive — and relatively affordable — bedroom community for workers in other Treasure Valley cities.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Holmes has been busy lately, from attending the Metropolitan Opera opening night gala on Tuesday to sitting front row at the Tod’s spring 2027 show at Milan Fashion Week on Friday.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The menu is no phonebook, and what has made the cut is well-justified.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Muslims can collectively work toward that goal by electing anti-Israel candidates, Spencer explained, so giving zakat in hopes of furthering the Palestinian cause is considered justified.
    — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • That work, first demonstrated at 12 logical qubits, extends directly into today’s result, as per the release.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026
  • As of July 2026, the current record is just under 100 logical qubits.
    — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Just.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/just. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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