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 Kennedy also sent members of Congress a fact sheet justifying his May 27 lifting of CDC recommendations that pregnant women and healthy children receive COVID vaccinations. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025 The Trump administration’s policy reversal and resulting mootness justify that outcome under standard precedent, the filing argues. Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 16 June 2025 Kennedy justifies his extreme action by alleging conflicts of interest, misrepresenting outdated data from a 2007 report. Tom Frieden, Time, 16 June 2025 The Biden administration justified its push for energy efficiency in part to save energy and in part to save money. Alexander C. Kaufman, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for justify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justify
Verb
  • This, the team explained, increases the odds that the mice's immune systems will be able to produce antibodies against a variety of strains of HIV in the case of a future injection.
    Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
  • Lee explains his perspective, as a sportswriter and as a fan, that teams and leagues are taking advantage of supporters.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • The administration continues to defend its use of tariffs by arguing that emergency powers give the president the authority to regulate imports during national emergencies, and officials have argued that the country's trade deficit qualifies as a national emergency.
    Peter Aitken Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
  • The Brazilian side defended resolutely and were able to regularly counter the French champions.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • This is what happens when incitement is normalized and hate is excused under the guise of political expression.
    Lisa Katz, New York Daily News, 22 June 2025
  • More covert and implicit behaviors are also easier for abusers to deflect, excuse away, and blame their partner for.
    Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • While relationships — particularly those with elements of the fanbase — were fractured by the time of Messi’s departure in the summer of 2025, sources close to the French club — who will remain anonymous to protect relationships — maintain there are no regrets over his signing.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Bears could starve, groups maintained, and their populations could plummet again.
    Christine Peterson, Vox, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • The Supreme Court upheld a law that allows Americans injured by acts of terror in the Middle East to take Palestinian leadership groups to U.S. courts for damages.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 22 June 2025
  • In a 6-3 decision, the high court upheld a lower court ruling that found Tennessee’s restrictions do not violate the U.S. Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause.
    Brooke Migdon, The Hill, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Justify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justify. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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