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
The Kansas City Royals standout had just homered on the global stage. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2026 The 37-input device measures just 470 micrometers. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Any emotional deadlock with someone close should pass in just hours. Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 22 Feb. 2026 Kristen Clarke, the former assistant attorney general for civil rights under the Biden-era Department of Justice, said in a statement that Jackson helped make America a more just nation. Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for just
Recent Examples of Synonyms for just
Adverb
  • Also, God forbid, but the examining team might need to unstitch a section of the dress, and there was just the slightest chance that it wouldn’t be put back exactly as it had been received.
    Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Initial estimates did not indicate exactly how much Walz’s proposal would cost in terms of technology fees to upgrade DHS’s computer software.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 14 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • But Cockrum raced down the court for a layup, barely beating the buzzer to cut the lead to 19-16 entering the final quarter.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
  • None of the first, and barely the second!
    Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Jamal Murray fouled out with only five points early in overtime, bringing an early end to his worst game of the season.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
  • The Tritons finished with a 39-34 edge in rebounds and forced Hawaii into 19 turnovers while making 11 steals and turning the ball over only seven times.
    Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Sky Rock Sedona is a modern, 109-room boutique hotel right in the heart of town, within walking distance to many hiking trails.
    Annie Daly, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
  • The suspect sprinted out of the store right after.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • May the music of life carry on Zhang Qiyu, director of the Weixin County Cultural Relics Management Department, told Global Times that the team discovered that the initial purpose of the drum wasn’t to simply make music, but to support ceremonies and even carry the dead to the next life.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Service simply cannot be faulted in terms of friendliness and sweetness, though efficiency is perhaps another matter.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • In the new year, Musk welcomed Hegseth to a meeting at SpaceX headquarters, where Hegseth unveiled a new partnership with Grok, which lately had been spending most of its time removing the clothes of women and children in photographs.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
  • No one seems to dispute it—even with the inroads David Ellison has lately made.
    Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The former mayor also added no local government had done more than the city of Sacramento to address homelessness, though residents’ frustration is absolutely justified.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Once an investigation is complete, findings are typically forwarded to a district attorney, who determines whether the officer’s actions meet Oklahoma’s legal standard for justified use of deadly force.
    Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Taking that kind of approach to free agency is prudent, understandable, logical and probably smart more often than not.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Your 4th House of Family receives support as sensual Venus sextiles unearthing Pluto in your logical 2nd house, nudging you to refresh your routines and polish your living space.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Just.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/just. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on just

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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