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 unveiling of the selection comes just days after the Red Sea Film Foundation announced the cancellation of its annual festival due to take place in Jeddah in December. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2026 In a joint news release, the systems — which will just be called HealthPartners — said the merger involves nearly two dozen hospitals, 135-plus clinics and 6,000 healthcare professionals. — Stephen Swanson, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
Kelly Osbourne is sharing the deeply personal message her father, Ozzy Osbourne, gave her just days before his death. — Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026 In fact, similar materials that take months to produce can be created in just days. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for just
Recent Examples of Synonyms for just
Adverb
  • Lancôme’s Idôle 3 Serum Supertint Skin Tint What exactly goes into a skin tint that graces the complexions of Mendes, Holmes, Sarandon, and gets the highest praise from a talented makeup artist?
    — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Give them the economics, the reasoning beneath the numbers, and partner with organizations like Economics Arkansas, which has equipped our teachers to do exactly that since 1962.
    — Michael Poore Special to the Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026
Adverb
  • Universal barely gave it any kind of marketing push, and the film came and went from theaters in a matter of days.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The ban amounts to barely a ripple in $880 billion worth of annual two-way trade between the two northern neighbors.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • Access to the private and quietly serene Regent Club, set at the top of the resort with an adults-only pool embracing the full panorama, is only included for villa and penthouse guests but is available as an add-on to suite bookings.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • For some reason--some great reason, that only the editors on the other side of the room understand--the reporters for at least the Democrat-Gazette's story (unlike some national outlets) decided to call Skip Rutherford.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026
Adverb
  • Then Underwood dropped back, stepped up, rolled right and threw a long touchdown pass to Buchanan for a 19-14 lead.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The beach is right there for swimming and paddleboarding when the surf is calm, and the trails through the dunes are manageable for kids old enough to walk them without being carried.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • Adding to the effortlessness of my stay, silicone bibs, cups, spoons, and plates plus high chairs were provided immediately at every restaurant, and the diverse kids menu doesn’t consist of simply junk food and French fries.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • As recent writing on dance and cognition suggests, choreography is not simply a map of moving coordinates.
    — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Adverb
  • With housing prices high across the region, Kuna has lately emerged as an attractive — and relatively affordable — bedroom community for workers in other Treasure Valley cities.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Holmes has been busy lately, from attending the Metropolitan Opera opening night gala on Tuesday to sitting front row at the Tod’s spring 2027 show at Milan Fashion Week on Friday.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The menu is no phonebook, and what has made the cut is well-justified.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Muslims can collectively work toward that goal by electing anti-Israel candidates, Spencer explained, so giving zakat in hopes of furthering the Palestinian cause is considered justified.
    — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Now five decades in the business, the company framed the launch as the next logical step for a brand with products that are built to last and to be passed on between friends, families, and now shoppers.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Eight of the trophies the club won under Mansour came during the years under investigation, so handing them over to the teams that finished behind City while following the rules seems like a logical solution.
    — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Just.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/just. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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