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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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6

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
Since 2000, just 20 athletes have reached the 40-rep mark at the annual NFL Combine. Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman, 25 Mar. 2026 Hinostroza’s shootout goal was just the third of his career. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Passengers aboard a cruise ship sailing from Texas to Mexico erupted in cheers after the crew rescued four people from a distressed, makeshift boat in the Gulf — the second such rescue involving a Caribbean cruise ship in just days, according to reports. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 28 Feb. 2026 The boyfriend claimed that during the bath with just water there was a strong chemical smell. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for just
Recent Examples of Synonyms for just
Adverb
  • An airport offers, if not exactly an equitable experience (there are Clear lines, lounge archipelagos), then at least a perceptible simulacrum of equality, in that everyone rides the same people movers past the same Cinnabons.
    Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Unfortunately, Omnissa’s data didn’t detail exactly how many crashes both Windows and Mac computers suffered in absolute terms, only that Windows came in behind Macs.
    Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 28 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Neutral tones, rattan and brown leather furnishings, and antique-style wooden pieces characterise each indoor space so elegantly that interiors barely resemble a tent at all.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Looking back, Carter barely recognizes herself in the pictures and news coverage from the years after Bethany disappeared.
    Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • The United States not only encourages artistic expression, it’s enshrined in the Constitution, under the First Amendment’s freedom of speech and assembly.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
  • And yet your sufferings would come to an end in a mere fifty-seven hours, or whenever the train disgorged you, while the sufferings of Gunnar’s daughter would probably end only with her death.
    Cassandra Neyenesch, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • In contrast, the song choice was right up her competition’s alley.
    Ella Gonzales March 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Mar. 2026
  • With digital, directors work right up until the last minute; films are ready just a short time before their release.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Learning a language, studying abroad, or simply traveling to experience something entirely unfamiliar to you.
    Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Ultimately, even when she’s supposed to play the most antagonistic female archetype, Darlene is simply too much of a mood and a vibe, and her fundamentally anti-Karen nature is good for TV but bad for the judging criteria in this challenge.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • The committee sparked a suite of bills aimed at juicing the supply side of Idaho’s housing market — a deregulatory approach targeting zoning laws that has lately found rare bipartisan support at the Capitol, if not in city halls across the state.
    Mark Dee March 28, Idaho Statesman, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The most notable thing he’s starred in lately was a clip of him on a podcaster’s couch, hunched and diminished, talking about his fear of gay people.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • This Iran war was neither justified nor necessary.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2026
  • The Ivorian’s fall was less pronounced than Cunha’s but no less justified, but no foul was given.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Read it and explain to me, in detail, every flaw in my argument, every logical inconsistency, and every way my evidence is weak.
    Vivienne Ming, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026
  • This is the logical, expedient, correct thing to do.
    Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 24 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Just.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/just. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.

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