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
Relevance
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
Pilgrims describe Hajj as a once-in-a-lifetime obligation that transcends politics, justifying high costs, logistical headaches and security fears.
—
Mariam Fam, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 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
Quiet-luxury proponents would often speak of frequency of use and cost per wear in justifying a four-figure black wool sweater.
—Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 28 Apr. 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
There is no new census data justifying it.
—Dan Daley, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
Regardless of the source, all that crypto spending represented real value flowing back into the coffers of Gala Games, justifying the minimum guarantee that Brink says Gala paid to Legacy developer 22cans.
—ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2026
Mariam Fam, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 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
Quiet-luxury proponents would often speak of frequency of use and cost per wear in justifying a four-figure black wool sweater.
—Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 28 Apr. 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
There is no new census data justifying it.
—Dan Daley, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
Regardless of the source, all that crypto spending represented real value flowing back into the coffers of Gala Games, justifying the minimum guarantee that Brink says Gala paid to Legacy developer 22cans.
—ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justifying
Verb
-
Sokoloff continued the offensive, explaining that the controller is legally mandated to annually audit affordable housing programs but has failed to do so.—
Rafael Perez,
Daily News,
28 May 2026
-
While some hospitals obtain informed consent before conducting drug or alcohol testing during pregnancy or after delivery, others perform these tests without patient consent or clearly explaining the purpose and potential consequences.—
Dr. Mattie Renn,
New York Daily News,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
Victor Wembanyama is making news these days as a third-year player who has led the San Antonio Spurs to a 2-2 series tie with the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference finals.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2026
-
The Western Conference Finals shifted back to Oklahoma City on Tuesday night, with the defending league champions pulling away in the second half for a 127-114 victory in Game 5.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
After excusing herself briefly from the conversation, Patricia returns to find the other guests whispering to Shelby about Patricia’s history of dishonesty about almost being a Boogeyman victim.—
Jen Chaney,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
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The Appeals Court affirmed his convictions Tuesday and denied his motion for a new trial, overruling claims that there were issues with the judge not excusing a juror for cause and the defense counsel was ineffective.—
Grace Zokovitch,
Boston Herald,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
The authority’s tax income will not be enough to fund the future costs of maintaining its current 30,000 acres.—
Mercury News Editorial,
Mercury News,
23 May 2026
-
The driveway loops around the side yard, depositing cars in an underground garage, maintaining unobstructed views of the landscape through the home’s floor–to-ceiling windows.—
Fred Albert,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
There are few guidelines on how to deal with rumors while upholding conventional values of accuracy, verification, and transparency.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
28 May 2026
-
About 1 in 3 states didn’t even employ one staffer whose full-time job was to ensure that nonprofit funds were properly managed and that people in their states who ran nonprofits were upholding their financial and ethical duties, according to the survey.—
Sarah Webber,
Fortune,
24 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Justifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justifying. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
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