Synonym Chooser

How does the verb justify differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of justify are assert, defend, maintain, and vindicate. While all these words mean "to uphold as true, right, just, or reasonable," justify implies showing to be true, just, or valid by appeal to a standard or to precedent.

the action was used to justify military intervention

When might assert be a better fit than justify?

The synonyms assert and justify are sometimes interchangeable, but assert suggests determination to make others accept one's claim.

asserted her rights

In what contexts can defend take the place of justify?

The words defend and justify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defend implies maintaining in the face of attack or criticism.

defended his voting record

When would maintain be a good substitute for justify?

While in some cases nearly identical to justify, maintain stresses firmness of conviction.

steadfastly maintained his innocence

When is it sensible to use vindicate instead of justify?

In some situations, the words vindicate and justify are roughly equivalent. However, vindicate implies successfully defending.

his success vindicated our faith in him

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of justify Then again, nostalgia is rarely required to justify itself, as Just Like Heaven made clear. Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025 Parliament enacted the Habeas Corpus Act of 1679, which was meant to ensure that the king released prisoners when the law did not justify confining them. Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025 Reports indicate that some Republican senators have been weighing whether eliminating the California rules justifies breaking that norm. Camila Domonoske, NPR, 1 May 2025 The Guardians didn’t feel Gimenez offered enough offense to justify his long-term contract, which becomes increasingly expensive. Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for justify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justify
Verb
  • Chicago Tribune Please explain what PFAS are to me PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals that have been around for decades and have now spread into the nation’s air, water and soil.
    Michael Phillis, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • About The Daily Money Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer and financial news from USA TODAY, breaking down complex events, providing the TLDR version, and explaining how everything from Fed rate changes to bankruptcies impacts you.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles will be featured prominently during the 2025 NFL season.
    Jim Reineking, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • Scheffler, the world No. 1, and defending PGA champion Schauffele had plenty to say about mud balls on tee shots, particularly on the 16th hole that sent both to double bogey.
    Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • The abused person may excuse their abusive partner’s behavior and even blame themselves. 6.
    Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • No one watching in good faith could’ve mistaken her for excusing the marchers.
    Judy Berman, Time, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah said in an X post that explosions were heard in the northern Indian state’s capital Srinagar just hours after both nations agreed to maintain a ceasefire.
    Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
  • India has maintained that its attack was retaliation for the deadly attack last month in Indian Kashmir.
    Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • Haney had upheld his end of the bargain earlier on Friday, beating José Ramírez by unanimous decision.
    Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
  • Because there may be stronger ideals upheld by cardinals eligible to select the new pope, the upcoming conclave may take longer than usual, Matthew Gabriele, a medieval studies professor at Virginia Tech, told USA TODAY.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Justify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justify. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

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