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
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
Instead, the statute requires the Homeland Security secretary to terminate TPS if the review finds that conditions justifying the designation no longer exist.
—Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
There is no new census data justifying it.
—Dan Daley, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
There is no new census data justifying it.
—Dan Daley, Sun Sentinel, 27 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
The other issue was justifying a large commercial project outside the UDB when county planning staff contend there is enough industrial real estate available within the development zone that Kelly could purchase for its new headquarters.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
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
Instead, the statute requires the Homeland Security secretary to terminate TPS if the review finds that conditions justifying the designation no longer exist.
—Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
There is no new census data justifying it.
—Dan Daley, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
There is no new census data justifying it.
—Dan Daley, Sun Sentinel, 27 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
The other issue was justifying a large commercial project outside the UDB when county planning staff contend there is enough industrial real estate available within the development zone that Kelly could purchase for its new headquarters.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justifying
Verb
-
Rock and dance music defenders alike have reached for their pitchforks, but Charli isn’t interested in debating or explaining the song to them.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
13 May 2026
-
The dramatic trailer opens with Ty introducing himself in a TikTok video and explaining why he was barricaded in his room.—
Janelle Griffith,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Oklahoma City went 8-0 against LeBron James and the Lakers this season — and the defending champs are also 8-0 in these playoffs after back-to-back routs of Phoenix and Los Angeles.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 May 2026
-
And that is beat the Presidents’ Trophy winner and defending Stanley Cup champion in successive rounds as an eighth-seeded team.—
Senior Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Critics say the higher courts are excusing noncompliance In March, a federal appeals court ruled Sykes, the judge in California, had likely exceeded her authority in requiring bond hearings nationwide and blocked her February decision.—
Sudhin Thanawala,
Fortune,
2 May 2026
-
Cherfilus-McCormick has denied wrongdoing, excusing the allegations as an accounting error.—
Lauren Peller,
ABC News,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Self-cleaning and self-maintaining public restrooms do exist, and other communities in the nation use them.—
Michael Perkins,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 May 2026
-
The briefing was different in the sense that Rubio effectively answered foreign policy questions while maintaining a lighthearted, playful composure with the press corps.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
Schmon praises Cannes for upholding artistic excellence and the gains made so far by the fest’s programmers, but would like to see the festival engage more with organizations like hers.—
Mia Galuppo,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2026
-
Standing up to British tyranny was not breaking the law, but upholding it.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Justifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justifying. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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