Definition of justnext
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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

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6
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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 restrictions are just the latest in a series of moves that the military has taken to restrict access to information. ABC News, 23 July 2026 Eventually, Charlie and Brooks agree to just respect each other’s space and move on. Tom Smyth, Vulture, 23 July 2026
Adjective
With locations across Atlanta and an easy online sign-up process, getting started takes just minutes. Kayla Rivera, AJC.com, 30 June 2026 Among the subjects Avila Chevalier says Democrats should focus on are affordability, federal budgets focused on aiding working people, and a more just immigration system — including abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for just
Recent Examples of Synonyms for just
Adverb
  • Parts of the Level 2 risk area could be upgraded to Level 3 as forecast models gain a clearer picture of where exactly the heaviest rain will set up.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
  • The Education Department hasn’t yet calculated the final data against which institutions will be judged, leaving uncertainty on exactly what programs will face consequences.
    Francesca Pinney, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026
Adverb
  • Half the time, they’ve barely been touched; give them a yellow card.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Imagine burning down your life's work just to gain an insider edge against a team that barely knows how to play fundamental baseball.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026
Adverb
  • The extremely high temperatures required could only be achieved using charcoal.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 July 2026
  • Amendments placed on the ballot by lawmakers would still need only a statewide majority — a distinction critics call hypocritical.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
Adverb
  • Taylor Moton, the Panthers veteran starting right tackle, will be sidelined when the regular season kicks off in September.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026
  • And enigmatic quarterbacks who have flashed in the past but are hoping their new situation is the one where everything breaks right.
    Antonio Morales, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Adverb
  • Andriy simply isn’t a good leader — neither empathetic nor precise with his advice for Bobby — but then again, Bobby is also clearly in her feelings.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 July 2026
  • Here, in a pristine clinic on the banks of an even more pristine glacial Austrian lake, illness is not simply bad luck that happens to you.
    Jamie Timson, TheWeek, 24 July 2026
Adverb
  • Anyone who has spent time on a college campus lately has probably heard laments from faculty about their students’ reading habits, or rather nonreading habits.
    Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 23 July 2026
  • The Guardians, though, have seen a lot more thumbs down from Kwan lately, and that, ironically, is a good thing.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • The event gives the trip a purpose, which can make the spending feel more justified.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • The answers to those questions are ‘not really’ and ‘probably not’, even if there’s justified criticism that Tuchel prioritised physicality, athleticism and versatility over technical quality.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Sholl also notes that the largest station groups may not immediately rush to buy competitors because many of the most logical acquirers are already shouldering a lot of debt.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 23 July 2026
  • At a glance, de-normalizing alcohol consumption seems like a logical next step after cracking down on smoking.
    Tim Brinkhof, Time, 23 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Just.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/just. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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