Synonyms of justified

justified 1 of 2

adjective

ˈjə-stə-ˌfīd 

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

• reasonable
• reasoned
• logical
• valid
• good
• rational
• sensible
• informed
• well-founded
• true
• hard
• solid
• just
• plausible
• validated
• firm
• commonsense
• sober
• commonsensical
• real
• actual
• commonsensible
• credible
• convincing
• levelheaded
• confirmed
• substantiated
• sure
• certain
• certified
• corroborated
• verified
• cogent
• colorable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unreasonable
• unjustified
• irrational
• unfounded
• illogical
• invalid
• groundless
• uninformed
• unsound
• unwarranted
• nonsensical
• nonrational
• unsupported
• unsubstantiated
• weak
• unreasoned
• implausible
• unconvincing
• nonvalid
• flimsy
• misguided
• false
• fallacious
• misled

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

• deserved
• due
• competent
• warranted
• merited
• rightful
• legal
• legitimate
• appropriate
• suitable
• just
• proper
• right
• fair
• condign
• applicable
• fitting
• lawful
• meet
• strict
• correct
• apt
• equitable
• requisite
• accurate
• true
• fit
• stringent
• impartial
• uncompromising
• square
• rhadamanthine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unfair
• unjustified
• unjust
• unwarranted
• undue
• irrelevant
• unreasonable
• undeserved
• incorrect
• improper
• inappropriate
• unjustifiable
• inapplicable
• incoherent
• unmerited
• unsuitable
• partial
• indefensible
• unequal
• biased
• arbitrary
• inequitable
• unlawful
• irrelative
• inapt
• despotic
• illegitimate
• inapposite

justified

2 of 2

verb

past tense of justify

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

• explained
• excused
• ignored
• rationalized
• accounted (for)
• condoned
• explained away
• disregarded
• alibied
• pardoned
• winked (at)
• brushed (aside or off)
• forgave
• passed over
• remitted
• shrugged off
• glossed (over)
• glozed (over)

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

• defended
• maintained
• upheld
• supported
• advocated
• asserted
• affirmed
• proclaimed
• confirmed
• discussed
• vindicated
• stuck up for
• stood up for
• stated
• argued
• insisted
• championed
• claimed
• warranted
• pleaded
• contended
• emphasized
• protested
• espoused
• averred
• professed
• debated
• underscored
• avowed
• underlined
• stressed
• avouched

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• abandoned
• withdrew
• retracted
• reversed
• forsook
• switched
• recanted
• took back
• refuted
• rebutted
• disproved
• abjured
• controverted

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of justified

Adjective

Our community carries decades of justified mistrust toward institutions that have not always earned it. — Chuka Onuh, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Different fandoms may debate whether the shots fired there are justified, but Bridgers is kind of taking one at herself here, too, amid all the no-love-lost. — Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026

Verb

The lawsuit says the officers did not contact Israel beforehand and did not have her consent, a warrant or an emergency that legally justified entering the pasture. — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 14 Sep. 2026

Harvey Barnes was awarded a new contract during the summer and his early-season form has justified starting regularly. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026