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
Earl Smith, Time, 5 May 2026
Liam Twomey How justified was Pereira in his selection?
—Simon Johnson, New York Times, 4 May 2026
Joe Vardon, New York Times, 14 May 2026
That concern is often justified.
—Adam Goodcoff, STAT, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Adjective
For Black women, a justified historical skepticism toward police and child protective services—institutions with long records of over-policing Black families and under-protecting Black victims—creates a painful calculus.
—Earl Smith, Time, 5 May 2026
Liam Twomey How justified was Pereira in his selection?
—Simon Johnson, New York Times, 4 May 2026
Verb
Harden’s size, experience, maturity and slightly cheaper contract already justified trading for him in exchange for Darius Garland.
—Joe Vardon, New York Times, 14 May 2026
That concern is often justified.
—Adam Goodcoff, STAT, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justified
Adjective
-
In a debate for the Democratic nomination for the Senate in Iowa this month, one of the moderators, Erin Murphy, asked the candidates, Josh Turek and Zach Wahls, both state legislators, a reasonable, if downbeat, question.—
Amy Davidson Sorkin,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
-
The tuition payments may be a gift presented without strings, but there are still plenty of reasonable expectations that come with a college education.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
Reed faced deserved backlash for cruel personal attacks, including fat-shaming comments about actress Melissa McCarthy, reflecting his intolerance for unconventional or avant-garde work.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
-
But the bigger purpose of this residency is to celebrate not just an album but a career that survived romantic breakups, solo stardom for Stefani, tentative reunions and now a deserved victory lap.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Deadline shared a special preview of the series in January, with a slew of exclusive photos and a Q&A with Spiridakos, who shared insight into what fans can expect from the series and, in turn, explained some of the bits from the trailer.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
11 May 2026
-
Short explained the life perspective that enables him to find joy amid all the heartbreak.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
After leaving God’s house, the twins head to the office of the lawyer who defended the Man, as their father comes to be known, at the trial.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
IndieWire,
16 May 2026
-
Waters defended the original strategy, saying that both Judge Clifton Newman and the Supreme Court accepted the logic of the state’s motive theory.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
16 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
-
Given the profusion of riad tourist accommodation in Marrakech, you’d be excused for thinking the buildings originated as hotels.—
Rebecca Ann Hughes,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
-
Homeowners are also excused from the annual tax if the second home’s owner or the owner’s family is getting medical care in Greater Vancouver and lives outside that area, if the home is being repaired or substantially renovated.—
Roxana Popescu,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
This lasted until 2023, when new management company Storey Hotel Management (who also run Nanuku Resort in Fiji and the Ameswell Hotel in California) took over, and the resort has maintained its elegance and quiet luxury.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
Purchased from the original owner’s daughter, the house had been lovingly maintained, preserving distinctive details like latticework, wood paneling, and a free-form pool.—
Kathryn O'Shea-Evans,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
As far as the second outside cornerback is concerned, the most logical answer would be JuJu Brents, who looked impressive in his two starts in 2025 prior to sustaining a foot injury in Week 11 that required season-ending surgery.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
13 May 2026
-
On one hand, when a team selects in the lottery, the logical next step is a draft party, part of the hype of the next newcomer to be marketed.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Justified.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justified. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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