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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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6

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
The Kansas City Royals standout had just homered on the global stage. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2026 The 37-input device measures just 470 micrometers. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Any emotional deadlock with someone close should pass in just hours. Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 22 Feb. 2026 Kristen Clarke, the former assistant attorney general for civil rights under the Biden-era Department of Justice, said in a statement that Jackson helped make America a more just nation. Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for just
Recent Examples of Synonyms for just
Adverb
  • Thompson’s intervention in the fourth quarter was exactly what the Wolverines needed.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
  • That’s exactly how the Knights scored their first basket of the game.
    Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • In astronauts who spent about a year aboard the International Space Station, some areas near the top of the brain moved upward by more than 2 millimeters, while the rest of the brain barely moved.
    Rachael Seidler, Space.com, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Then use a microfiber cloth barely dampened with water to wipe the fixture clean, making sure to get into any grooves and crevices.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • But even in 2000 when Hope VI grants allowed for Laurel Homes to be replaced, residents were distrustful, in part, because only 1,100 units were going up.
    Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Laundry Detergent Sheets Part of what makes believing in the power of carry-on packing only for longer trips difficult is the challenge of having clean clothes.
    Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Sky Rock Sedona is a modern, 109-room boutique hotel right in the heart of town, within walking distance to many hiking trails.
    Annie Daly, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
  • The suspect sprinted out of the store right after.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • But some backpacks are better for travel than others, perhaps designed with isolated shoe compartments, holes to feed your phone charging cable through, jewelry pouches, and special materials that simply wipe clean after picking up germs from public floors.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The host Knights used their balanced attack and nine three-pointers to simply overwhelm defending state champion Etiwanda, 80-66.
    Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Michkov has lately been playing on the left wing with Brink and Noah Cates.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Trump had suggested Iranians would overthrow their government, but lately hinted that regime moderates could take over.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Once an investigation is complete, findings are typically forwarded to a district attorney, who determines whether the officer’s actions meet Oklahoma’s legal standard for justified use of deadly force.
    Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 5 Mar. 2026
  • An attack on Iran was both justified and necessary.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Taking that kind of approach to free agency is prudent, understandable, logical and probably smart more often than not.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Your 4th House of Family receives support as sensual Venus sextiles unearthing Pluto in your logical 2nd house, nudging you to refresh your routines and polish your living space.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Just.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/just. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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