as in excuse
an explanation that frees one from fault or blame
offered a weak justification for why he was so late
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Recent Examples of justification
Shapiro’s office also determined that three of MassDOT’s seven selection committee members did not follow the instructions to record their scoring justifications on evaluation worksheets.
—
Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 13 Mar. 2026
In other words, experts say, any city rebate program must serve a legitimate public purpose and cannot be structured solely to provide financial benefits to a particular group, such as seniors, without a broader justification.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
Iran cites the Abu Dhabi’s decades-long strategic alliance with Washington as a justification for the attacks.
—Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
Senate Democrats argued those votes and the debates around them weren't enough to address the ongoing war, its justification and potential off-ramps.
—Claudia Grisales, NPR, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for justification
Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 13 Mar. 2026
In other words, experts say, any city rebate program must serve a legitimate public purpose and cannot be structured solely to provide financial benefits to a particular group, such as seniors, without a broader justification.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
Iran cites the Abu Dhabi’s decades-long strategic alliance with Washington as a justification for the attacks.
—Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
Senate Democrats argued those votes and the debates around them weren't enough to address the ongoing war, its justification and potential off-ramps.
—Claudia Grisales, NPR, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for justification
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justification
Noun
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Spring has taken hold across Texas, with blooming flowers and budding trees signaling the season’s arrival — and giving families the perfect excuse to head out in search of scenic fields.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
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This weekend, book lovers don't need to come up with excuses to visit their favorite local bookstores, adding new books to their ever-growing bookshelves (and TBR pile).—
Katie Wiseman,
IndyStar,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The reason for this reluctance goes back more than a quarter of a century — to a time when some of the current cabinet were still at school.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
18 Mar. 2026
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According to the county, the reason for the holdup is that the Coast Guard never installed a septic system.—
John Ramos,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Justification.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justification. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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