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
But Adraee has been accused of justifying the killing of some journalists.
—
Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
But Adraee has been accused of justifying the killing of some journalists.
—ABC News, 8 June 2026
The business momentum is clear here, justifying the stock’s strong performance over the past four to five weeks.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 2 June 2026
Perhaps the Thunder would see the upside of a SGA-Giannis-J-Dub core as justifying the risk of cutting down their depth to that extent.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Questions remain about how SpaceX is justifying its astronomical valuation.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 24 May 2026
In the evening, Nora’s coworkers Estelle (Servanne Ducorps) and Kim (Tatia Tsuladze) arrive, justifying a stretch of awkward play-acting on behalf of Nora and her family.
—Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 22 May 2026
Easily the riskiest entry of the year so far, this expensive — $200 million but who’s counting — Amazon MGM Studios gamble, powered by Ryan Gosling’s star turn as a lonely astronaut, has made $573 million globally, justifying its steep costs.
—Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 2 May 2026
Military technology has become more sophisticated, but the minds justifying its use are stuck in the past.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
But Adraee has been accused of justifying the killing of some journalists.
—ABC News, 8 June 2026
The business momentum is clear here, justifying the stock’s strong performance over the past four to five weeks.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 2 June 2026
Perhaps the Thunder would see the upside of a SGA-Giannis-J-Dub core as justifying the risk of cutting down their depth to that extent.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Questions remain about how SpaceX is justifying its astronomical valuation.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 24 May 2026
In the evening, Nora’s coworkers Estelle (Servanne Ducorps) and Kim (Tatia Tsuladze) arrive, justifying a stretch of awkward play-acting on behalf of Nora and her family.
—Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 22 May 2026
Easily the riskiest entry of the year so far, this expensive — $200 million but who’s counting — Amazon MGM Studios gamble, powered by Ryan Gosling’s star turn as a lonely astronaut, has made $573 million globally, justifying its steep costs.
—Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 2 May 2026
Military technology has become more sophisticated, but the minds justifying its use are stuck in the past.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justifying
Verb
-
Alsace spent centuries moving between French and German rule — explaining why this indisputably French cake so closely resembles similar treats from across the Germanic world.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
10 June 2026
-
In explaining his vote to deny the batch plant, Flores cited its proximity to homes and Esperanza Elementary School.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
The park is also home to the Groton Monument, which is dedicated to the American soldiers who died while defending the fort.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
-
At that point, Brazil—the defending champions who would go on to win the tournament—leads 2-1 on a pair of goals by Garrincha.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
The problem with ‘unforgiveness’ Forgiveness is not about excusing harm or forgetting it.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 June 2026
-
The jury was seated after three days of the selection process, with Collin County Judge John Roach excusing 150 people after meeting with attorneys Wednesday afternoon.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
The price tag comes from the California State Auditor’s report that was issued last fall, which found that maintaining similar telework policies could potentially save $225 million annually by reducing the government’s office space footprint.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
6 June 2026
-
As military missions become increasingly data-driven and geographically dispersed, platforms that provide resilient, secure, and efficient communications will play a vital role in maintaining operational readiness.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
There are no majorities for anything, least of all for upholding the rights of the freed slaves in the South.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
10 June 2026
-
The murders of Jimmy Ellis and Elaine Thompson On December 12, 1998, a 21-year-old Lee walked into Jimmy’s Pawn Shop in Orville, Alabama, according to a 2013 federal appeals ruling upholding his conviction and sentence.—
Nina Giraldo,
CNN Money,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Justifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justifying. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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