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
Alexander Heffner, Mercury News, 20 May 2026
Rarely has there been such a poorly justified fantasy, promoting a number of claims loaded with hogwash.
—Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026
Travis Loller, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
On the one hand, I’d be perfectly justified in bursting into tears (especially with almost no sleep as my default mode).
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Adjective
But policies that make the economy fairer for the populace are more justified than ever.
—Alexander Heffner, Mercury News, 20 May 2026
Rarely has there been such a poorly justified fantasy, promoting a number of claims loaded with hogwash.
—Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026
Verb
The officer in that case was acquitted of criminal charges and found justified in his use of force by a review board.
—Travis Loller, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
On the one hand, I’d be perfectly justified in bursting into tears (especially with almost no sleep as my default mode).
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justified
Adjective
-
This is worth remembering amid perhaps reasonable excitement about the World Cup.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
-
Fortunately, this month New York’s Legislature passed the bipartisan Responsible Data Center Development Act placing a 1-year moratorium on data center development while reasonable safeguards are created.—
Liz Krueger,
New York Daily News,
20 June 2026
Adjective
-
Her new friends include Sam (Bianca Dumais), a rock-chick type who’s the same age as Franny and who has developed a reputation for promiscuity around town that doesn’t seem deserved.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
25 May 2026
-
Trai Hume gives Sunderland the lead against Chelsea Sunderland dominate the first quarter of this match and take a deserved lead in the 25th minute via Trai Hume.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
However, Lobrillo explained, the county has, in the past, included a 2% increase annually in similar approvals.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
15 June 2026
-
As Kristic explained, during the speculative post-Covid market, many galleries failed to consider the longer-term repercussions of raising the prices of ultra-contemporary works.—
Devorah Lauter,
ARTnews.com,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
The Netherlands dominated possession while Japan sat back and defended.—
Bryan Preston,
FOXNews.com,
20 June 2026
-
The president of the European Council, comprised of member states’ governments, defended his decision to open diplomatic communications with the Kremlin after the leaders of France and Germany criticized the decision.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
19 June 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
-
Canada’s draw could be excused given injury absences.—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
-
Dye was excused from practice for a personal matter.—
Daniel Popper,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
As the investigation continued, evidence emerged that directly contradicted original theories that Jason Hobby had started or maintained the Alexander Mountain Fire.—
Jesse Sarles,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
-
In the end, Switzerland maintained 62% possession with seven shots on goal, compared with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s three.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
While this might seem like the logical next step in the hiring process for a Ryan Murphy show, the suggestion felt anything but.—
Connor Hines,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
-
The move made little logical sense at the time.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Justified.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justified. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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