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
Matt Emma, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
While federal officials weigh possible civil rights violations over the invasion of a Minnesota church service on Sunday, leftist Christian leaders are cheering the anti-ICE protesters, casting the disruption of worship as a justified act of judgment.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026
Workers and managers are justified in their anger, frustration and despair over the 2026 job market.
—Chris Tomlinson, Houston Chronicle, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Adjective
According to Dumas, whether justified or not, confidence sustains effort long enough for skill and clarity to catch up.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
While federal officials weigh possible civil rights violations over the invasion of a Minnesota church service on Sunday, leftist Christian leaders are cheering the anti-ICE protesters, casting the disruption of worship as a justified act of judgment.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
Foster acknowledged state efforts to hold the district accountable have at times been justified, including in 2023 when TEA investigated chronic failings in the district’s special education department.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026
Workers and managers are justified in their anger, frustration and despair over the 2026 job market.
—Chris Tomlinson, Houston Chronicle, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justified
Adjective
-
Under a reasonable definition of the SVOD market, Netflix’s market dominance is impossible to ignore.—
Hal Singer,
Fortune,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Offer Choices, Within Limits Offering reasonable levels of freedom and allowing children to make choices is a great way to empower them, build confidence in their decision-making skills, and help build a sense of responsibility.—
Alanna Gallo,
Parents,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The promotion is not only well deserved—programming launched under Walden has received over 1,200 awards, including more than 400 Emmys.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Fortune,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Hopefully the Yankees will see fit to celebrate the 1976 season in different ways this year and in that respect there can be no better time to present Nettles, the greatest of all (clean) Yankee third baseman, with a long overdue and much deserved plaque in Monument Park.—
Bill Madden,
New York Daily News,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
With the new headquarters, Chan explained, Bonhams hope to widen their base of collectors through their larger exhibition space and programming around how to start or improve a collection across art, jewelry, antiquities, wine and other collectibles.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Bryan Hoyos, the mill’s director of North American marketing, explained how HV100 utilizes variocut technology to create varying staples lengths of Tencel fiber.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The White House initially did not dispute that Trump made the post and defended it, before a White House official told USA TODAY that a staffer had erroneously made the post, which was then taken down.—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
7 Feb. 2026
-
He has been defended by the guard on numerous occasions.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
The ledger is the foundation of reasoned conclusion.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Craig did not stay to field questions from the media, respectfully excused for what a spokesperson described as fatigue from a long day.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
-
This is so prevalent and excused at the top end of—at least part of—the conservative media sphere and the White House.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The Ku Klux Klan maintained a shadowy presence in Hanceville well into the second half of the 20th century; KKK meetings took place in some homes and hideaways here as recently as the 1980s.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Clase’s attorney, Michael Ferrara, said in October that Clase maintained his innocence.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That doesn’t make sense to me as a logical move.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
4 Feb. 2026
-
The logical solution, now that most of the desirable free-agent hitters are off the board, is for the Pirates to sign McCutchen to another one-year deal, then make the joint announcement that this season will be his last.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Justified.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justified. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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