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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

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
Bryant would hit then just enough free throws to close out its 16th victory. Erick Taylor, Arkansas Online, 10 Jan. 2026 More than just lighting a candle, Fischer says upcoming scent trends are leaning toward personalized scents synced with the time of day, activity, or the area of the home. Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
In a just world, Sally Hawkins would be in the Oscars race this year. Anastasia Sanger, Glamour, 22 Dec. 2025 Thousands of dollars have been raised for the church in just days, as hope remains to build again. Jason Rantala, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for just
Recent Examples of Synonyms for just
Adverb
  • When the bartender turned to take my order, something stopped me, not a thought exactly, but something like it.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026
  • As to what exactly will be available for the fans to purchase, LA28 officials wouldn’t say on Tuesday.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 14 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • For families This is the rare wilderness lodge where kids aren't just tolerated—they're given the kind of freedom that barely exists anymore.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
  • So far, that promise has barely materialized.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Kokoloff said the film industry hasn’t only had to compete domestically, but also internationally because production is moving out of the United States and going to countries offering better financial incentives.
    Marianne Love, Daily News, 13 Jan. 2026
  • The Jackson County Legislature only has jurisdiction over policies related to the county sheriff’s office and does not have explicit authority over federal immigration agencies or area cities’ police departments.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 13 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Outfit 5 This is the outfit that can do it all—take you straight to the office, out to a classy meal, or right onto a connecting flight.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Don’t want tender young shoots popping out when another polar vortex is right around the corner.
    Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Now all that’s left is to simply build upon his turnaround.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Alcohol license holders are simply bound by city and county laws as well.
    Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Collins has been showing a more robust side of his all-around game lately, especially his shooting from the perimeter.
    Janis Carr, Daily News, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Francesco Carta/Getty Images Silver has been catching investors' eyes lately and for good reason.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Almost immediately after the shooting, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stood before the media and pronounced the fatal use of force fully justified — heroic even.
    Michael Mcauliffe, Sun Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026
  • The killing of 37-year-old Renee Good in Minneapolis on Wednesday set off a clash between federal and state officials over whether the shooting appeared justified and whether a Minnesota law enforcement agency had jurisdiction to investigate.
    Russ Bynum, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • But logical arguments won't change a person's mind unless the emotional foundation is also addressed.
    Gwen Faulkenberry, Arkansas Online, 15 Jan. 2026
  • All in all, the Wave For 2 seems like a logical addition to a lineup that was previously focused on family camper vans for four to six people.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Just.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/just. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.

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