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
Like, on the weekends, the kids are just coloring with chalk, playing in the rocks. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026 Stanley Zabar was there just last week, making sure everything was up to his high standard, his family says. — CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
Adjective
Through it all, through the peaks and valleys of Adebayo’s Heat career, the rebound record is a passing of the torch that coach Erik Spoelstra said is a just passage. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026 In sourcing markets where apparel supports millions of workers, this could be particularly detrimental to a just transition. — Jessica Binns, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for just
Recent Examples of Synonyms for just
Adverb
  • So what exactly does Marnûkh know that might be so dangerous?
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Like, what exactly is the difference between Japanese and American jeans?
    — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 11 Nov. 2026
Adverb
  • Even on a recent visit that fell over a spring break week, the place barely felt crowded, whether on the beach, by the 120-foot-long pool, or at the three open-air restaurants.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Among the shades worth knowing are Icing, a milky pink that complements the barely-there makeup aesthetic, and Cristal, a shimmering pink for those who prefer a little sparkle.
    — Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026
Adverb
  • Utilizing their seventh different starting lineup through the team’s first 11 games of the season, the Magic only had 10 players available against the Jazz in the second game of a back-to-back on Wednesday night.
    — Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Over time, Trumpian communication failed to exploit a vulnerable group of people who are repeatedly exposed only to information, opinions, and perspectives that validate their existing beliefs.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Nov. 2026
Adverb
  • Caden Piening’s diving catch of an Alonza Barnett III pass right at the pylon — ruled a 6-yard touchdown with 1 second left.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Brisk weekend in Baltimore Sunday begins with a mostly clear sky and temperatures averaging in the low to mid-40s away from the bay and upper 40s right along the bayfront.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026
Adverb
  • Beyond The Algorithm Some will argue that post-cyber is simply another label for existing cybersecurity and resilience practices.
    — Peter Smulovics, Forbes.com, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The top comment was from Patrick Mahomes, who simply shared six heart emojis.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 11 Nov. 2026
Adverb
  • Anyone who’s been to the pump lately could appreciate a little less reliance on cars.
    — Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Models in Rose’s own age group have lately been commanding a powerful kind of runway sisterhood.
    — Sarah Mower, Vogue, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Yet, this very constraint pushed me to create a style of cooking that transcends the distance, making the journey—the hours spent in the car—fully justified.
    — Nathan Tavares, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Badrutt’s was also named winner of The World’s 50 Best Hotels’ Art of Hospitality Award in 2026 – an accolade that felt entirely justified after our stay.
    — Fergus Scholes, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Think about your beliefs, discard your prejudices and be logical and consistent.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 12 Nov. 2026
  • To those who know his ideas, the notion of a Spinozist biographer will seem about as logical as a vegan butcher or a pacifist contract killer.
    — Kieran Setiya, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Just.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/just. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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