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
Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
This Sherwood extension speaks louder to that point than the justified, sharp contract given to center Alexander Wennberg in January or even William Eklund’s three-year extension signed last summer.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2026
Marta Zherukha, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
And yet the concern from Canada is justified.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Adjective
Smith went on to stress, however, that his criticism of Williamson over the years was completely justified and even encouraged by people close to the player.
—Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
This Sherwood extension speaks louder to that point than the justified, sharp contract given to center Alexander Wennberg in January or even William Eklund’s three-year extension signed last summer.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
The bill also removes language specifying that an officer is not justified in using force during an arrest if the arrest is unlawful.
—Marta Zherukha, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
And yet the concern from Canada is justified.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justified
Adjective
-
If a teammate pushes for an answer, share your requirements and propose a reasonable timeframe that respects both schedules.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Jayson Tatum defied reasonable expectations to return from a torn Achilles in under a year and have vaulted the Celtics from fun underdog story to bonafide title contenders.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Every award was absolutely deserved.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Yes, Joseph Woll was again stellar, stopping 31 of 33 shots and earning deserved praise for his aggressiveness and agility.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Wood took her own life after struggling with grief and the emotional trauma of witnessing her husband’s murder, her daughter explained to the judge.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
17 Mar. 2026
-
An interest in evening workouts is on the rise nationwide, the workout expert explained.—
Hunter Boyce,
AJC.com,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
However, the president defended him.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Canada and Mexico defended their trilateral trade agreement with the US following Washington’s threats to withdraw from the $2 trillion pact.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
13 Mar. 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
-
And, no, the controversial coach won’t likely be excused from his post anytime soon.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Before the Black Caucus lobbed this bomb at him, Pritzker would have been excused for thinking that his endorsement of a different Black woman would shield him from such criticism.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Burries needed just 10 shots to lead Arizona, which hit 57% of its shots in the first half and maintained that success rate until the final minutes.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
-
The film premièred to great acclaim, enabling him to secure not only the funding for his next project but also a production team and ensemble that he’s maintained for nearly three decades.—
Holden Seidlitz,
New Yorker,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
So, the logical move would be to turn to the draft, and there’s a strong possibility that the Panthers will do just that.—
Mike Kaye
March 16,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Geographically, Minnesota, Memphis and New Orleans would be the most logical candidates to go from West to East.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Justified.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justified. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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