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
Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 15 May 2026
While that number has been met with justified skepticism from most fans, there's apparently plenty of support within the sport.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
Garrett Downs, CNBC, 19 May 2026
In recent years, even some advocates of free trade have come around to the idea that certain tariffs can be justified on strategic and national-security grounds, especially when working with an avowedly mercantilist country like China.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Adjective
Damian, Berlin’s associate and planner, starts questioning whether the heist is still justified, since Alvaro technically agreed to the conditions that brought Berlin into his estate.
—Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 15 May 2026
While that number has been met with justified skepticism from most fans, there's apparently plenty of support within the sport.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
Verb
Until the administration provides clarity, no congressional authorization or extension can be justified.
—Garrett Downs, CNBC, 19 May 2026
In recent years, even some advocates of free trade have come around to the idea that certain tariffs can be justified on strategic and national-security grounds, especially when working with an avowedly mercantilist country like China.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justified
Adjective
-
Allow reasonable discipline in school.—
Matthew Stolle,
Twin Cities,
23 May 2026
-
If reasonable, open windows and turn off air conditioning at night to let cooler air in, then shut the windows and shades in the morning to trap the cool air inside, Trane recommends.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
23 May 2026
Adjective
-
For all the deserved talk about the Knicks’ dynamic offense, the defense has been far more stifling than their reputation suggests.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
-
Reed faced deserved backlash for cruel personal attacks, including fat-shaming comments about actress Melissa McCarthy, reflecting his intolerance for unconventional or avant-garde work.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Denise had explained that Djena didn’t have the necessary paperwork to enroll.—
Yudhijit Bhattacharjee,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
Special props to the jolly axe-throwing head of adventure, Nye Rees; personable Brasserie maitre d’, Javier Padron; and trainer Peter Sullivan, who explained the finer points of fasting for women whilst crucifying my glutes.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
On Saturday, Hill defended Carter after former Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes explained why publicly targeting a teammate is frowned upon inside an NFL locker room.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
24 May 2026
-
In 2024, the national team won both the U-20 and U-17 World Cups, and successfully defended the latter in 2025.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 May 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
-
Given the profusion of riad tourist accommodation in Marrakech, you’d be excused for thinking the buildings originated as hotels.—
Rebecca Ann Hughes,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
-
Homeowners are also excused from the annual tax if the second home’s owner or the owner’s family is getting medical care in Greater Vancouver and lives outside that area, if the home is being repaired or substantially renovated.—
Roxana Popescu,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Frost maintained that CalPERS is one of the most transparent retirement systems in the country and, as required by California law, the fund reports fees and fund performance to the public and the Legislature.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
22 May 2026
-
Management maintained the production forecast for 2026 at 860,000 to 940,000 gold equivalent ounces.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Adjective
-
Work with that element of chance because learning to enjoy embracing—working with it—is fun and fun isn’t logical, and logic isn’t always your ally in that initial stage of creation.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
-
Claiming early—at 62—to generate income to service debt might seem logical but typically costs significantly more over the long run than delaying to 70 and paying down debt from other sources in the interim.—
Jason Kirsch,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Justified.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justified. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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