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
Reminds [me] also of the aggressors' narratives for justifying many other military interventions, occupations, and annexations in world history.
—
Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
On the other hand, proponents assert that a deep and competitive conference naturally improves the quality of its member teams, thereby justifying this approach.
—Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
This suggests the difficulty in justifying ongoing support for Move may be rooted in the shift in motion controller technology used in the Quest 2 and Quest 3, alongside its limited popularity.
—Andrew Williams, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Where’s the evidence of widespread fraud justifying this current crackdown on voting rights?
—Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2025
In justifying his actions, some of Musk's powerful Big Tech allies suggest that the only way to run our country more effectively is to install an all-powerful CEO-monarch who can remake the government, entirely free of legal constraints.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
In their response, prosecutors simply relied on the fact that the warrant justifying the tracking device was still under seal, speculating that while the robbery was months old, there could have been additional justifications that only police and the judge are privy to.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2025
Fleming said that the descriptions the government provided for justifying the arrests don’t match what video evidence from security footage shows.
—Taylor O’Connor, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2025
Most importantly, stop justifying yourself; make choices without explaining them.
—Dale Whelehan, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025
Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
On the other hand, proponents assert that a deep and competitive conference naturally improves the quality of its member teams, thereby justifying this approach.
—Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
This suggests the difficulty in justifying ongoing support for Move may be rooted in the shift in motion controller technology used in the Quest 2 and Quest 3, alongside its limited popularity.
—Andrew Williams, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Where’s the evidence of widespread fraud justifying this current crackdown on voting rights?
—Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2025
In justifying his actions, some of Musk's powerful Big Tech allies suggest that the only way to run our country more effectively is to install an all-powerful CEO-monarch who can remake the government, entirely free of legal constraints.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
In their response, prosecutors simply relied on the fact that the warrant justifying the tracking device was still under seal, speculating that while the robbery was months old, there could have been additional justifications that only police and the judge are privy to.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2025
Fleming said that the descriptions the government provided for justifying the arrests don’t match what video evidence from security footage shows.
—Taylor O’Connor, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2025
Most importantly, stop justifying yourself; make choices without explaining them.
—Dale Whelehan, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justifying
Verb
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Shapiro even alluded to that fact when explaining his optimism that a deal will get done.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
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Establishing how that golden age came about is easier than explaining the years of scarcity that followed.—
Rory Smith,
The Athletic,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The Yankees signed the 38-year-old to a minor league free agent contract in February, but after a series of injuries left the defending American League champs with three holes in their five-man rotation, Carrasco pitched his way into filling one with an impressive spring training.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Apr. 2025
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Spurs also thrashed City 4-0 at the Etihad in the league back when Pep Guardiola’s defending champions were starting to wobble but were still second in the table.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Essential functions, such as processing electronic returns and maintaining computer systems would continue but at a much slower pace.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
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Throughout the crisis, staffers kept everyone safe while maintaining the same high level of service and hospitality.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Opponents of the law say the lower court gave too much deference to the federal government’s national security concerns and not enough consideration of freedom of expression when upholding the law.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA TODAY,
20 Dec. 2024
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Our goal is to continue expanding thoughtfully into new markets while upholding the high standards that have brought us to this point.—
Caroline Tell,
Forbes,
19 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Justifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justifying. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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