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
Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026
According to Dumas, whether justified or not, confidence sustains effort long enough for skill and clarity to catch up.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
David Pozen, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
Others argued the reports justified the need for action.
—Everton Bailey Jr, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Adjective
Regulators, however, currently have no authority to include affiliates’ financial records when determining whether the rate hikes are justified.
—Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026
According to Dumas, whether justified or not, confidence sustains effort long enough for skill and clarity to catch up.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
The Court’s holding is more than justified on statutory and separation-of-powers grounds.
—David Pozen, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
Others argued the reports justified the need for action.
—Everton Bailey Jr, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justified
Adjective
-
That is if the letter writer doesn’t mind allowing them in her backyard for a few weeks while others find more reasonable ways to address this problem.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Feb. 2026
-
As part of the lawsuit, Hartsuch claims Board of Medicine rules require that investigations be conducted and resolved within a reasonable time, and that the board knew or should have known that its delays would prevent Hartsuch from working as an ER physician.—
Clark Kauffman,
Iowa Capital Dispatch,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The youthful line-up paid off with a deserved 2-1 victory.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2026
-
In a business that loves a great origin story, Merino’s is refreshing as an outsider who has taken a very deserved seat at the Hollywood table.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
What Happens to Your Heart in the Cold When you're exposed to the cold, your body naturally tries to preserve its internal temperature, explained James Udelson, MD, interim chief physician executive of the CardioVascular Center and chief of cardiology at Tufts Medical Center.—
Jenna Anderson,
Health,
23 Feb. 2026
-
In a sell-off like this, Jim explained, a hedge fund might typically avoid it and then come back to it.—
Paulina Likos,
CNBC,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
An Ohio Democrat defended the United States' attack on Iran as others in Congress called the move an unconstitutional escalation.—
Haley BeMiller,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
28 Feb. 2026
-
But Duffy has defended the El Paso air closure and the action taken by his department.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
27 Feb. 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
-
The measure passed with 11 alderpersons in favor, two opposed and three excused.—
Bridget Fogarty,
jsonline.com,
27 Feb. 2026
-
The legislation, brought at the request of the South Dakota Secretary of State's office, was passed by 59 Republicans and opposed by all five Democrats in the chamber, with five lawmakers excused during the vote.—
Dominik Dausch,
Sioux Falls Argus Leader,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Polymer solar cells offer advantages Researchers have also maintained that polymer solar cells offer advantages such as light weight, flexibility, and solution processability, but their practical application has long been limited by insufficient operational stability and performance.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Mercury maintained his silence.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The fourth statement is a logical extension, suggesting that baking soda might be particularly valuable for, say, climbing mountains or cycling over alpine passes.—
Alex Hutchinson,
Outside,
25 Feb. 2026
-
The logical assumption here would be that a cooperative mode was discussed at some point.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Justified.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justified. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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