just 1 of 2

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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

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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
Either way, there’s no wrong answer—just the one that suits your next adventure best. Jill Schildhouse, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 The plea comes just weeks before Kohberger's trial was set to begin. Kayna Whitworth, ABC News, 1 July 2025
Adjective
Making them is a just series of principles, expressed through technique. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 28 June 2025 The voting component of the past two seasons has built Squid Game’s argument that majority rule is not always the best or most just option. Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for just
Recent Examples of Synonyms for just
Adverb
  • So what exactly are these tiny insects, and why are they so attracted to us?
    Cathy Nelson, Health, 21 July 2025
  • When Lutnick took the stage, his interlocutor asked what exactly was going on with the tariffs.
    Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
Adverb
  • Others hesitate or barely touch their trays—a few flat-out refuse to eat.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The loss of Elio’s parents is barely explained; his relationship with his aunt, Olga (Zoe Saldaña), is pleasant but lightweight.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025
Adverb
  • The offer, which can be redeemed in-store or online, is only available through Sunday, July 20.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 21 July 2025
  • Buxton gets a breather after an eventful week Byron Buxton was out of the lineup Sunday, but only because Baldelli wanted to give him a breather.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 21 July 2025
Adverb
  • Moving right along from the latter-day Illya Kuryakin, Conde Nast global content director Anna Wintour, pictured below, has gathered no moss since the Wimbledon final a few days ago.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Stomach pain can also be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, a medical emergency that needs to be treated right away.10 10.
    Barbie Cervoni, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025
Adverb
  • But with the exception of Morel, none of their additions projected to help the following season. Unable to address most of their immediate needs, the Rays simply expanded their talent base.
    Levi Weaver, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • Leaving was simply a necessity for boys with big dreams.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
Adverb
  • My neighbors have been driving me up the wall lately.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
  • Ferrero was founded in Italy nearly 80 years ago and has lately been on a quest to expand its American reach.
    Alina Selyukh, NPR, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • There are very justified concerns about the money that’s now committed to a 1B/DH-type throughout his early and mid-30s, but a lot of that has to do with the good-not-great OBPs that Devers has had in the past.
    Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • Brit’s drama from the dinner seems more like a projection than a justified reaction.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • As a member of the Don Callis Family, winning the TNT Title is a logical next step.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • Goldman: The Winnipeg Jets and Wild are logical picks here, although neither team really improved this summer.
    The Athletic NHL Staff, New York Times, 12 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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