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
Miami Herald, 23 Dec. 2025
The really frightening thing is that these artifacts are manufactured by and for the toxic internet subcultures that Robinson swam in, where political violence is promoted as a means to viral glory, or a justified end in itself.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 21 Dec. 2025
Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Or one who justified policies targeting Muslim institutions by pointing to grievances with Middle Eastern regimes.
—David Moore, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Adjective
But let’s stick to the important subject at hand, which is that justified - or not - McDaniel has outlasted all but one of his contemporaries.
—Miami Herald, 23 Dec. 2025
The really frightening thing is that these artifacts are manufactured by and for the toxic internet subcultures that Robinson swam in, where political violence is promoted as a means to viral glory, or a justified end in itself.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 21 Dec. 2025
Verb
Noem said the new policy is justified because unannounced visits pull ICE officers away from their normal duties.
—Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Or one who justified policies targeting Muslim institutions by pointing to grievances with Middle Eastern regimes.
—David Moore, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justified
Adjective
-
Advertisement Think smart regulation, not more regulation The dealmaking bonanza on Wall Street since Biden Administration officials left office offers a reasonable gauge of the damage inflicted when regulatory agencies are captured by ideology.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The only reasonable, logical explanation to Indiana University’s success in football is not coaching, but cheating.—
Mac Engel
January 13,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Jessie Buckley’s and Timothée Chalamet’s wins in the lead acting categories gave 25 points to Hamnet and Marty Supreme, respectively, while Amy Madigan’s surprising (but well deserved) win in Best Supporting Actress gave another 25 points to Weapons.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
6 Jan. 2026
-
After some dynamic passing from Robertson and Bobby McMann, capped by a splendid finish from Roy, the Leafs’ new third line pushed the team to a deserved early lead.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
21 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
In an interview with Interesting Engineering, UEL researcher Daehyun Kim explained that SCARABS focuses on exploration reliability rather than experimental payloads.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Night vision goggles worn by the pilot and hoist operator give a tube of vision, explained Atkins.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The New England Patriots defended home turf in the Wild Card Round, dominating the Los Angeles Chargers in a 16-3 victory to move on in the NFL Playoffs.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson defended the final-drive defense afterward.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The ledger is the foundation of reasoned conclusion.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
5 Nov. 2025
-
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
Verb
-
These bills send a clear message that political violence will never be excused, rewarded, or forgotten, and that our democracy is worth defending with action, not just words.—
Norma Torres,
Oc Register,
6 Jan. 2026
-
During voir dire, anyone who’s against capital punishment is excused from serving; the law demands that jurors remain amenable to all potential sentences.—
Dan Piepenbring,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
In its October response to the suit, the club maintained that its rules grant the board of governors exclusive control over bylaw changes.—
Chase Jordan
January 13,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The partial restoration came as security forces maintained a heavy presence across central Tehran, according to residents, with riot police, Revolutionary Guard units and plainclothes officers deployed at key locations as authorities sought to contain unrest.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
But logical arguments won't change a person's mind unless the emotional foundation is also addressed.—
Gwen Faulkenberry,
Arkansas Online,
15 Jan. 2026
-
All in all, the Wave For 2 seems like a logical addition to a lineup that was previously focused on family camper vans for four to six people.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Justified.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justified. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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