1
as in explaining
to be an acceptable reason for
you seem to think that losing a basketball game justifies a temper tantrum
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in defending
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 justifying
Judge Ellis found that Bovino wasn’t hit in the head with a rock prior to deploying tear gas despite claims from the Department of Homeland Security justifying the use of force.
—
Bill Kirkos, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
While working on the project, costs ballooned unexpectedly—reaching well over six figures—and this doctrine became an important reminder when justifying the expenses.
—Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2025
For now, Yamamoto is on top of the world, justifying every dollar of the $325 million investment the Dodgers made in him.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Giuffre takes an interest in Epstein’s own self-justifying attitude toward his crimes.
—Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 25 Oct. 2025
But critics have taken issue with the reordering of Reagan’s statements and the removal of the context of him making these statements in a speech justifying his decision to impose tariffs on Japan.
—Surina Venkat, The Hill, 24 Oct. 2025
The midfield area certainly functioned better against Frankfurt, with Curtis Jones more than justifying his inclusion.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Specifically, Barnes referenced Act 237, or the LEARNS Act, and Act 372, as two statutes justifying the memo's release.
—Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2025
Prometheus is the unshackled man who shouldn’t worry about consent or consequence, the very vision of the self-justifying right-wing idiot.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
Bill Kirkos, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
While working on the project, costs ballooned unexpectedly—reaching well over six figures—and this doctrine became an important reminder when justifying the expenses.
—Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2025
For now, Yamamoto is on top of the world, justifying every dollar of the $325 million investment the Dodgers made in him.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Giuffre takes an interest in Epstein’s own self-justifying attitude toward his crimes.
—Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 25 Oct. 2025
But critics have taken issue with the reordering of Reagan’s statements and the removal of the context of him making these statements in a speech justifying his decision to impose tariffs on Japan.
—Surina Venkat, The Hill, 24 Oct. 2025
The midfield area certainly functioned better against Frankfurt, with Curtis Jones more than justifying his inclusion.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Specifically, Barnes referenced Act 237, or the LEARNS Act, and Act 372, as two statutes justifying the memo's release.
—Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2025
Prometheus is the unshackled man who shouldn’t worry about consent or consequence, the very vision of the self-justifying right-wing idiot.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justifying
Verb
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The leader of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an organization that fights antisemitism, is explaining his group's decision to set up a special project to monitor Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect of New York City.—
NPR,
NPR,
7 Nov. 2025
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Ukraine knows about the value of culture as soft power and spends a lot of money explaining to the world what’s going on in their country.—
Annika Pham,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The Lakers tied the Detroit Pistons for the second-most wins in the NBA (eight) behind only the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder (10-1), but that wasn’t the only good news the team got on Monday.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Nov. 2025
-
While repeatedly defending his journalists, Davie did not directly address the threat of the lawsuit during his all-staff call this morning.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Some Republicans and Democrats criticized Vance’s response for excusing or downplaying the nature of the chat messages.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Celebrating or excusing violence is abhorrent.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As competitors resolve technical issues and new entrants pursue next-generation propulsion technologies, GE faces mounting pressure to invest heavily in R & D while maintaining its recent well-above-average margins.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
10 Nov. 2025
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While maintaining a healthy weight plays a role in mitigating cardiovascular and diabetes risk, the measurement alone overlooks the importance of muscle as a predictor of healthy aging and longevity.—
Alexa Mikhail,
Flow Space,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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His choices force Mickey to constantly balance protecting her family with upholding the law.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
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Together, we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of respect, safety, and integrity for all participants, staff, and stakeholders.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Justifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justifying. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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