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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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just

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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

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
Rapper Lil Tjay was sprung from lockup Tuesday after his arrest for allegedly participating in a fight just before the rapper Offset was shot in Florida Monday evening. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026 The right-hander has received just one run of support in three starts. CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
With just days left in the month, the Bay Area is nearing a historic milestone. Greg Porter, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 Mar. 2026 Shah then enters with a verse that imagines a more just country. ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for just
Recent Examples of Synonyms for just
Adverb
  • A lot of people don’t even know exactly what OnlyFans is.
    Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
  • That’s exactly why one common habit among homeowners gives him pause.
    Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Many of them are unknowns barely registering one percent of support.
    Simeon Tegel, NPR, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Crafted from an ultra-smooth, barely-there fabric for easy wear from the plane to plans, these comfy pants rival your pajamas in the best way.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • On the surface, things seem more fluid in America, but that is only the surface.
    Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Alabama offers only the auto loan deduction.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Ravensbergen is a rare southpaw as a right-catching goalie (coincidentally, as is Askarov).
    Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • As the national government moves sharply right, Democratic voters have shifted left.
    Darius Khalil Gordon, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Alternatively, download the app to plan your visit in advance or to simply follow its highlights tour.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026
  • But certain weeds simply aren't welcome.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Samuel Alito’s inclinations have not been hard to discern lately.
    Peter S. Canellos, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Big Tech is certainly getting the most out of its lawyers lately.
    Francesca Cassidy, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Because Anna and Matteo were never actually together, her clear attraction with Michael doesn’t face any meaningful obstacles, aside from some obligatory (and weakly justified) initial sniping between the two leads.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
  • This Iran war was neither justified nor necessary.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • So the two simplest logical paths for explaining neutrino mass led to the same place.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 8 Apr. 2026
  • One logical conclusion is a return to the early days of publishing, when only the super-wealthy (or those lucky enough to have a rich patron) could afford to write for a living.
    Francesca Cassidy, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Just.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/just. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

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