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
In 2022, Loftin reached Triple-A Omaha — just two years after being drafted. Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 That’s already being experimented with just one training camp practice into his career. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026
Adjective
In just months, Syria has gone from shipping none of the fuel to making up more than a quarter of Middle Eastern volumes. Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 18 July 2026 During uncertain times, customers need more than just products. Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for just
Recent Examples of Synonyms for just
Adverb
  • So, what exactly are AI tokens, how does AI tokenomics work, and when should businesses stop counting tokens and focus on results?
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • Wednesday’s press conference, however, felt like any other, prompting one reporter to ask a question about what the news was, exactly.
    Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 29 July 2026
Adverb
  • That’s always been a problem for Thanedar, who only took 55% of the vote in 2024 against two candidates who barely campaigned – and after an AIPAC affiliate spent more than $2 million to help him.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Google will reveal the Pixel 11 series later this month, but leaks and teasers so far have painted a picture of phones that have barely changed since last year.
    Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 4 Aug. 2026
Adverb
  • Mundo Deportivo corroborates these key figures, while noting that Cancelo only has a year left on his contract at Al-Hilal.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • And the actor believes there is a power in seeing only the before and aftermath of the killing.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026
Adverb
  • So, for me, often, a quick skim to the end and then right to work.
    Sabrina Jaszi, The Dial, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Washington is last in reliever Stuff+ this year and has cycled through a variety of uninspiring closers, so there’s a chance Cruz steps right into the biggest role in the bullpen.
    Eno Sarris, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Adverb
  • For Moore, opening her own shop was never simply about owning a business.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • What ultimately doomed the plan was not simply opposition, but the breadth and speed of that opposition.
    Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Adverb
  • The record’s grainy black-and-white cover shows her with her hair—usually scraped back in her trademark ponytail, or lately a bun, another kind of disguise—loose and scattered over her laughing face.
    Aimee Cliff, Pitchfork, 31 July 2026
  • My favorite filmmaker lately is [Swedish director] Roy Andersson.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • Yet traders will look for commentary and signals on what these companies have to say about their semiconductor purchases — and whether the recent sell-off in chipmaking stocks is justified.
    Fred Imbert, CNBC, 29 July 2026
  • The event gives the trip a purpose, which can make the spending feel more justified.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • More importantly, the researchers found that the effective logical error rate was 10 times lower than the physical error rate.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026
  • The Cardinals needed an available reliever more than a starter recovering from a 77-pitch appearance, making Dobbins the logical roster casualty despite his otherwise solid work during his first extended opportunity in the major leagues.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Just.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/just. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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