just 1 of 2

1
2
3
as in only
nothing more than I was just kidding

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in right
as stated or indicated without the slightest difference the length of the curtain is just right

Synonyms & Similar Words

5
6

just

2 of 2

adjective

1
2
3
4
5
6

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
Over the second quarter, Zalando’s active customers increased by 6.1 percent to 52.9 million, orders at Zalando also grew 2.5 percent to 65 million, and the average value of each basket rose 1.2 percent to just over 61 euros per purchase. Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2025 Now, Pitt is dealing with more tragic news, as his mother Jane has just passed away. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
The timing just days after Anita's grand reunion with her Supremes-esque girl-group, the Articulettes, isn't likely an accident. Ryan Coleman Published, EW.com, 11 Aug. 2025 When did a just war to defend the country turn into an unjust land grab? Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for just
Recent Examples of Synonyms for just
Adverb
  • The president has full command of the National Guard and has activated up to 800 troops to support law enforcement, though exactly what form remains to be determined.
    Lindsay Whitehurst, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
  • As the probes twinkle on and off, computational models estimate exactly where each molecule is located—and reconstruct a high-resolution image of the sample.
    Katarina Zimmer, JSTOR Daily, 14 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • They’re caught up in their own bubble barely registering your existence.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Canales is trying a different approach this year in the preseason after last year’s timidity — Young and the offense barely played in the exhibitions at all — backfired badly.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • The lawsuit is only against KSTP and not against individuals.
    Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Katella’s offense averaged only 10 points per game, but coach Dustin Hurley said the offense is simplified this season and the team might play with more tempo.
    Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 14 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Cena said he’s shared many valuable moments in this ring and thanked the fans right back.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • There are many direct-to-consumer wellness apps out there: Meditation apps that guide you through mindfulness exercises and breath work or access to therapy right from your phone.
    Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 8 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • The consequence on Saturday was simply stress testing baseball’s best bullpen and dropping the Padres a game behind the Dodgers in the NL West.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Put more simply, do not let your PC fall off support.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • The same tactic allowed Dodgers relievers, who’d been combustible lately, to close it out.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Inefficiency has been a constant problem for Kikuchi lately.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The four teams from Texas are all justified selections for their respective spots.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Aug. 2025
  • But six months after Spring Training camp in Arizona and amid a run in which the Giants have won only seven of their last 24 games, that optimism has been replaced with justified anger and confusion.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Determining adjacent products like donuts for coffee and chips for sodas is logical.
    Tamara Bebb, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Cashing paper checks typically requires photo identification and verification, so digital banking—where most financial fraud occurs—seems like a more logical area of concern.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Just.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/just. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on just

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!