1
as in reasonable
based on sound reasoning or information
in a well-justified ruling the court voted unanimously to overturn the law
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in deserved
being what is called for by accepted standards of right and wrong
the use of force to capture the armed fugitive was fully justified
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in explained
to be an acceptable reason for
you seem to think that losing a basketball game justifies a temper tantrum
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in defended
to continue to declare to be true or proper despite opposition or objections
failed to justify the need for a war at this time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of 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
Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
According to some on the left, there are times when political violence is justified.
—Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
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
Verb
That’s how Graeme McDowell tersely justified his reason for joining controversial LIV Golf in 2022.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
According to some on the left, there are times when political violence is justified.
—Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justified
Adjective
-
And that is actually a reasonable price for those books.—
Marc Weingarten,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2026
-
Bowman noted the authority is guided by state law and case law in its decisions and deciding what is just and reasonable by a preponderance of evidence.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
No doubt that the trophy handed over by EFL chairman Rick Parry was well deserved.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Anything less will keep the door wide open for the Pohlad family to be a lightning rod for criticism that is very much deserved.—
Dane Mizutani,
Twin Cities,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Over the course of 25 minutes Breslow and Kennedy explained their decision to fire one of the most accomplished managers in franchise history after just 27 games this season and elevate Triple-A manager Chad Tracy to the big league role on an interim basis.—
Mac Cerullo,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Studley explained the biological process responsible for the lobster’s two-toned appearance.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Putin has defended the restrictions as necessary for public safety.—
Zahra Ullah,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
-
Trump has defended the gift as a way to save tax dollars.—
Jonathan J. Cooper,
Fortune,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
-
This is a time for cool, calm and reasoned debate, and for legislators to think through the consequences of legislation put forth.—
Bobby Zirkin,
Baltimore Sun,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Ahead of the process, Nussmeier’s father — who was excused by the Saints to spend time with his son on draft weekend — gave him some advice most rookies are likely to hear.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
1 May 2026
-
Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers excused Musk from the witness stand Thursday, but he may be called back later.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Chatty maintained that the city should prioritize internal audits over new taxes.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
-
Well defined and placed, they are well maintained.—
Stephen Hudak,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Berman and Kessler argue this is a logical and organic pivot for MMRs.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
28 Apr. 2026
-
However, a resignation or even a leave of absence now looks like a logical outcome.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Justified.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justified. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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