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
The Fed's potential rate hike comes just seven weeks before the midterm elections in which high prices and affordability have taken key roles. ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026 Animals given just enough calories to maintain adequate nutrition often remain healthier and live significantly longer. Venki Ramakrishnan, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
Shein’s appeal to customers has been built on ultra-fast, affordable fashion, delivered from China to the West in just days. ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 With just hours to spare, the California State Senate passed SB 2319 by a vote of 33-5. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for just
Recent Examples of Synonyms for just
Adverb
  • Streamers, of course, have always been able to see exactly how many people are watching shows on their own platforms; the Nielsen data simply lets those executives see how content is doing on their rivals.
    Josef Adalian, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Her digital-first mentality, bolstered by reshares and organic clipping from fans online, is exactly what helped an A&R at Artist House discover her on TikTok last year.
    Lyndsey Havens, Billboard, 16 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • Visible, timely payments delivered through channels customers already trust, consistently outperform vague bill credits customers barely notice.
    Amber Mullaney, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The same minerals spotting your glasses and scaling your faucets could also be the reason your shampoo barely lathers or your hair has been feeling dull and stiff lately.
    Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • Set the scene On rugged John’s Island 40 minutes outside of Charleston, Auberge’s Lowcountry debut deftly centers the coastal charm of the South Carolina sea islands—the second most bioactive habitat in the world, after only the Amazon Rainforest.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Solar panels generate electricity only when sunlight is available, but power demand can remain high after sunset or rise sharply at other times of the day.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • Yesavage experienced the longest baseball season of his life, Berríos pitched through pain in the regular season and Bieber came off Tommy John rehab right into a pennant race and October push.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Nothing could be more convenient than having a ton of equipment right in my room.
    Chadner Navarro, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • The main restaurant, simply called the Dining Room, received a lot of attention during the renovation.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
  • There is no compelling plotline to give the movie momentum, and there are slack moments when the set pieces simply don’t work.
    Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • Unleaded regular gas national average Michigan gas prices lately have mirrored the national average.
    Paula Wethington, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • High oil prices stemming from the Middle East war and record prices for diesel have been among the many factors driving yields higher lately.
    Paulina Likos, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Golf equipment powerhouse Callaway ended its partnership with Good Good Golf amid the justified backlash over a video ad for a new Callaway driver that depicts a man aggressively shoving a woman to the ground.
    Greg Cote August 30, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Our community carries decades of justified mistrust toward institutions that have not always earned it.
    Chuka Onuh, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Morris contributed a logical note to sneaky goings-on, and Lupus made his silent bit seem credible.
    Ed Olmstead, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026
  • These athletes, many of whom are 22 or 23 years old, have logical reasons to extend their collegiate sports careers into their mid-20s or beyond.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Just.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/just. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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