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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of justified
Lila Shroff,
The Atlantic,
18 June 2026
True, the university’s effort to unload the property sparked a backlash that proved justified.
—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2026
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
26 June 2026
Other owners have jumped past the second apron — some justified, others not so much.
—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Adjective
For all of the justified concern over the potential for AI to automate work, the rise of AI babysitting points to how the technology is already changing jobs.
—
Lila Shroff,
The Atlantic,
18 June 2026
True, the university’s effort to unload the property sparked a backlash that proved justified.
—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2026
Verb
Assistant State Attorney Sara Imm wrote in her memo that the deputies were justified in using deadly force.
—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
26 June 2026
Other owners have jumped past the second apron — some justified, others not so much.
—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justified
Adjective
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Part of what’s at work is a reasonable desire to give a party with more than its share of grizzled congressional veterans a jolt of youthful energy.
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This week prosecutors need only demonstrate that there are reasonable grounds to believe Robinson killed Kirk.
Adjective
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Germany's head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, gave Ecuador its deserved praise for the win today, saying his own team failed to find its rhythm in the second half.
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Two families continue to carry burdens that neither asked for nor deserved.
Verb
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After the revolution, explained Miller, Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton wasn't liking how the country's coffers were looking.
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In the majority opinion, Chief Justice John Roberts explained the constitutional rationale behind the decision.
Verb
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Miki Sudo defended her title as well in the women’s division.
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From the get-go, Les Bleus – including, at one point, the entire squad except for goalkeeper Mike Maignan – were in the Paraguay half, searching for an opener as La Albirroja defended valiantly.
Adjective
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None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.
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This is a time for cool, calm and reasoned debate, and for legislators to think through the consequences of legislation put forth.
Verb
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The grand juror was subsequently excused from the proceedings.
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Because he was being completely bullied and demeaned and excused.
Verb
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Razia showed up at the scene not to aid in a kidnapping, but to confront her online tormentor, Sacks maintained.
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Pfendler appears to have broken both the previous women's speed record as well as the men's speed record, according to records maintained by Ocean Rowing Society International, which adjudicates ocean-rowing achievements for Guinness World Records.
Adjective
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The business solution provider, on the other hand, acts as the logical custodian of critical processes.
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Those are legitimate concerns, and yet the rebuttals are just as logical.
Cite this Entry
“Justified.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justified. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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