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
Carl Anka, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
But even a justified intervention can erode democratic norms if undertaken without sustained public explanation.
—Kenneth Zagacki, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026
ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
With the league affording ABS a margin of error, the umpires are justified in asking for their own accommodation.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Adjective
The Ivorian’s fall was less pronounced than Cunha’s but no less justified, but no foul was given.
—Carl Anka, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
But even a justified intervention can erode democratic norms if undertaken without sustained public explanation.
—Kenneth Zagacki, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
The Los Angeles Police Commission, a civilian oversight board, ruled in 2022 that Jones was justified in firing once but that his two subsequent shots were out of policy.
—ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
With the league affording ABS a margin of error, the umpires are justified in asking for their own accommodation.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justified
Adjective
-
The union also wants to ensure that workers have a reasonable amount of overtime, mandatory overtime and on-call hours, Beck said.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Its reasonable prices combined with the speedy, mobile-friendly claims process make this brand an excellent option for many travelers.—
Liz Knueven,Ryley Amond,
CNBC,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Anything less will keep the door wide open for the Pohlad family to be a lightning rod for criticism that is very much deserved.—
Dane Mizutani,
Twin Cities,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Two goals in Atletico Madrid’s 5-2 Champions League last-16 first-leg win over Tottenham had earned him a deserved player of the match trophy.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
As co-founder of Jason Hyde Jewelry, Deborah Singer explained, people are often surprised to learn that each piece begins as plastic pulled from the ocean, transformed through upcycling.—
Najahe Sherman,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
The client, Mukherjee explained, was in the midst of a life-threatening medical crisis.—
Sarah Stillman,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Jamahl Mosley‘s group successfully shared the ball by dishing out 33 assists and defended at a high level in spurts by scoring 28 points off 20 takeaways.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Months after its withering box-office performance, Costner defended his position.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 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
-
As the couple continued to pepper Harry with questions, Caroline excused herself to get another seltzer.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Dewey is excused from his parents’ anniversary party, given his success as a pianist, but Lois demands that everyone else be present, including Malcolm.—
Allison McClain Merrill,
Parents,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Though Crochet and Cora both maintained that the blowup wasn’t due to any injury, the performance and the reduced velocity on his pitches are concerning.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
17 Apr. 2026
-
The company's stock dropped roughly 10% in extended trading after the streamer maintained full-year guidance despite a first-quarter revenue beat and the termination of the WBD deal.—
Lillian Rizzo,
CNBC,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In the absence of a money tree, the only logical response to a budget deficit is to make adjustments on the expense side.—
Harvey Levine,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
-
An injury settlement feels like the most logical path at this point.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Justified.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justified. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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