JUSTIFIABLE Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

justifiable

adjective

ˈjə-stə-ˌfī-ə-bəl

Definition of justifiable

as in legitimate

capable of being defended with good reasoning against verbal attack had justifiable reasons for leaving early

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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 justifiable The Fort Worth Independence Day shooting that killed one near Lake Arlington is being investigated as a justifiable homicide, according to a police report. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026 Police are investigating the incident as a justifiable homicide, according to the release. — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026 Detectives were investigating the incident as a justifiable homicide, police said. — City News Service, Daily News, 28 June 2026 And maybe, Alice wonders, this killer is killing for a justifiable reason. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for justifiable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for justifiable

Adjective

The result has turned a team with a 10-22 record in the second half of the season into a legitimate contender to steal the second-half crown in the Eastern League.

— Tim Britton, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Wrestlers having legitimate issues backstage has led to multiple feuds that people-pleasing AEW President Tony Khan could not control.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of legitimate

Adjective

The output has to be supportable, reviewable and grounded in information that can actually survive scrutiny later.

— Arun Ramakrishnan, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Claims about artificial intelligence must be technically accurate, operationally supportable, and consistent with the company’s financial results.

— Perrie M. Weiner, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026

Definition of supportable

Adjective

For months the university has been briefing journalists that its appointment system is rigorous and defendable, and that the campaign was targeted against a Black academic because of his race.

— Rupert Neate, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Even if maritime regulators demanded shippers purchase more defendable vessels, the crews aboard are unready for the challenge.

— Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of defendable

Adjective

If a patient identifies a clinical trial at a viable location and wants to be considered, the patient should contact the trial recruiters directly and ask them, Balch said.

— Michelle Andrews, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026
More than point spreads A recent Bloomberg story claimed that a large chunk of Gen Z investors see sports betting as a viable strategy to make money.

— Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of viable

Adjective

And there is a reasonable likelihood that two of them will end up playing each other on Arthur Ashe either for history, or for the chance to make it, which will lead to unforeseen levels of patriotic tension.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
City officials say this boosts transparency, sets reasonable expectations and may deter people from repeatedly issuing the same complaint.

— Point Loma-Ob Monthly, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of reasonable

Adjective

But working and maintainable are not the same thing, which is where companies start making very expensive mistakes.

— Oleg Lola, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Why These Habits Actually Stick What makes these rules actually maintainable is their quick, flexible, and immediately impactful nature.

— Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 2 June 2026

Definition of maintainable

Browse Nearby Words

justifiability

justifiable

justifiably

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“Justifiable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justifiable. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of justifiable

adjective

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