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
David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Oct. 2025
Authenticity is a word bandied around by commissioners and execs, but in the case of the Osbournes its use feels justified.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2025
Alex Harring,yun Li, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025
The procedure is possible when the Senate leader calls a vote and then asks the parliamentarian for a ruling on whether a filibuster is justified.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for justified
Adjective
City officials say the hikes are justified, because San Diego loses revenue when parking spots that could otherwise have meters are devoted to other uses like dining or valet parking drop-off and pickup.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Oct. 2025
Authenticity is a word bandied around by commissioners and execs, but in the case of the Osbournes its use feels justified.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
The company now expects to spend $91 billion to $93 billion in 2025, up from roughly $75 billion just a few quarters ago — a steep increase, but one Shmulik said is justified by the returns so far.
—Alex Harring,yun Li, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025
The procedure is possible when the Senate leader calls a vote and then asks the parliamentarian for a ruling on whether a filibuster is justified.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for justified
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justified
Adjective
-
The full selection, including Bib Gourmand restaurants (an honor that highlights restaurants offering high-quality food at reasonable prices), recognizes 228 restaurants spanning 44 cuisine types, shining a national and international spotlight on the varied cuisines and talented chefs of the South.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
3 Nov. 2025
-
The Penguins have a pretty reasonable amount of depth on the blue line, especially on the right side, which would make that move easier to absorb.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Can that work in the big leagues, where the manager is usually a glorified PR staffer who talks to the media and takes the blame (deserved or not) for losses?—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
22 Oct. 2025
-
The result is a deserved cult film that promotes feminism and features some bona fide scares.—
Gwen Ihnat,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In a post on the AITA subreddit, the original poster (OP) explained that her mother-in-law organized her baby shower and asked her to make the invitations.—
Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Fujimura also explained the historical reasons for why Japanese IP is so strong – starting with the periodical manga magazines that became popular in the 1950s, evolving into the anime business that boomed with the growth of Japan’s animation studios and TV networks in the 1960s.—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Just hours before the filing was submitted, Bovino defended his agency’s conduct in an interview with CBS News.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
-
United defended in an aggressive middle block similar to Crystal Palace in September.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The differences between any given Grokipedia and Wikipedia entry are in some sense hard to debate because there is no shared ground upon which to have a reasoned disagreement; to gravitate toward Grokipedia is to leave the world of evidence for that of belief.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Deliberative democracy is the idea that decision-making and governance are arrived at through thoughtful, reasoned and respectful dialogue.—
Lee Bebout,
The Conversation,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The fumble, of course, cannot be excused, but Henderson's development is essential to the Patriots fulfilling the best version of their offense.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
28 Oct. 2025
-
After Politico reported that Young Republicans expressed outrageously racist, misogynistic and anti-Semitic sentiments, Vice President JD Vance excused it as just the edgy chat of young activists.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In Virginia, moderate Democrat Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer and congresswoman, has maintained a modest lead over Republican nominee, Winsome Earle-Sears, the state's current lieutenant governor.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Growing up in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, Yesavage built and maintained a pitcher’s mound in his backyard the way other kids might tinker with cars.—
Steve Rushin,
The Atlantic,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Scientists researched the phenomenon for decades without finding a logical explanation.—
Graham Averill,
Outside,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Coming into the game, the Aggies were the logical pick to win.—
Sam Khan Jr,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Justified.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justified. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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