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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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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

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
Not just in contrast to the hijinks around them, the two feel grounded and worth rooting for. Naveen Kumar, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026 Rewards do not have to be reserved for just gas, either. Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
But for Amber, the journey is about more than just numbers. Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026 Even during limited early observations, the telescope has detected thousands of moving objects in just days, far outpacing traditional asteroid surveys, according to a statement from the NSF NOIRLab. Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for just
Recent Examples of Synonyms for just
Adverb
  • A lot of people don’t even know exactly what OnlyFans is.
    Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
  • That’s exactly why one common habit among homeowners gives him pause.
    Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Many of them are unknowns barely registering one percent of support.
    Simeon Tegel, NPR, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Crafted from an ultra-smooth, barely-there fabric for easy wear from the plane to plans, these comfy pants rival your pajamas in the best way.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • On the surface, things seem more fluid in America, but that is only the surface.
    Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Alabama offers only the auto loan deduction.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Air traffic control told the pilots to turn right, which put them on a potential collision course with another 737 that had been cleared for takeoff from a parallel runway.
    Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
  • We, as Peter Hook and the Light, have been right behind it from the word go.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Alternatively, download the app to plan your visit in advance or to simply follow its highlights tour.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026
  • But certain weeds simply aren't welcome.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • The Yankees’ bullpen hasn’t provided much relief lately.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • While the Yankees sent ace left-hander Max Fried to mound, the Angels had a bullpen game, with a bullpen that hasn’t been so good lately.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There are no great discoveries here, á la Young Mazino in Season 1 — just professionals demonstrating why their success is so justified.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Not all homicides are murders, such as justified killings and negligent deaths.
    Wendi C. Thomas, ProPublica, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In the absence of a money tree, the only logical response to a budget deficit is to make adjustments on the expense side.
    Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
  • An injury settlement feels like the most logical path at this point.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Just.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/just. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.

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