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

Independence Day just gives people a 100% justified reason to take things to the next level. — David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

For example, today, Americans might believe that the demands of racial equity or of evangelical Christianity are so pressing that executive power would be justified in ignoring the legislature or the judiciary to serve them. — Robert A. Ballingall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026