as in legitimate
capable of being defended with good reasoning against verbal attack
had justifiable reasons for leaving early
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Police ruled the incident a justifiable homicide, though his controversial past has long fueled speculation about the true nature of his death.
—
Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
Border security clearly is national security, so leaving the Border Patrol union untouched is not justifiable.
—The Editors, National Review, 31 Mar. 2025
After winning 64 times out of 82, then four in a row to open the postseason, their attitude was justifiable.
—Tony East, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Police classed the shooting as a justifiable homicide, the Los Angeles Times reported.
—Don Sweeney, Sacramento Bee, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for justifiable
Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
Border security clearly is national security, so leaving the Border Patrol union untouched is not justifiable.
—The Editors, National Review, 31 Mar. 2025
After winning 64 times out of 82, then four in a row to open the postseason, their attitude was justifiable.
—Tony East, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Police classed the shooting as a justifiable homicide, the Los Angeles Times reported.
—Don Sweeney, Sacramento Bee, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for justifiable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justifiable
Adjective
-
On the other hand, there’s a legitimate anger about the state of the world that needs to be addressed.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
8 June 2025
-
Put another way: The more legitimate business opportunities available for athletes, the better.—
Jon Wilner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 June 2025
Adjective
-
Rather, Evans says, this viral moment is an opportunity to discuss what is acceptable and what isn't in a relationship.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
29 May 2025
-
Growth without margin — also known as unprofitable growth — is no longer acceptable.—
Emil Sayegh,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
But Bloomberg reported that Gazprom had concluded such a plan was not viable.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
-
With a bus system known for being unreliable and inconvenient, some advocates and commuters say work will need to be done to rebuild trust with riders and to entice new ones to see the bus as a viable option.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
This may be a financially rational move, but also a negative signal to shareholders looking for leverage.—
Alexander S. Blume,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
But the over-the-top operation in South Park generated a nationwide debate, not all of it rational, and a unified response of condemnation from San Diego Democratic leaders, including four members of the local congressional delegation.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
LPs expect distributions within a reasonable timeframe.—
Ilona Limonta-Volkova,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
-
Florida's attorney general can collect civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation, reasonable attorney fees, and court costs, while minors can also pursue up to $10,000 in damages.—
Chloe Albanesius,
PC Magazine,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
With fire danger expected to remain high due to ongoing dry conditions, PNEC encourages residents to prepare now by creating defensible space, planning evacuation routes and staying informed.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 May 2025
-
The Wildfire Advisory Group advised the town to focus on five safety initiatives in the event of a wildfire: emergency communications; evacuation plans and routes; fuel reduction and vegetation management; defensible space and home hardening; and education and outreach.—
Nollyanne Delacruz,
Mercury News,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Justifiable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justifiable. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share