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

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

Ashley Brouillette and Madison Brouillette told AP that David Brouillette said the shooting on July 13 was justified. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Tshisekedi last week ordered the finance, economy and mines ministries, along with revenue agencies, to ensure coercive measures remain exceptional, legally justified, and proportionate. — Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 16 July 2026