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
Neither the warrant nor the underlying affidavit justifying the warrant has been released.
—
Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
What’s old is new Third spaces have evolved to encompass specific purposes, justifying the price tag that often comes with them, since some membership clubs can thousands of dollars per month.
—Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 7 Mar. 2026
As Hollywood’s concern around artificial intelligence grows, Seth MacFarlane is justifying the technology after bringing one of his long-running impressions to life.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2026
Webber said a disciplinary process is underway, justifying the city's refusal to release the outside investigation report.
—Brian Maass, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026
That meant everything in the effort to maximize Stafford’s window, justifying a major trade package.
—Jesse Newell, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2026
Experts say this rationale is a new way of justifying bringing users’ content back to life.
—Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 3 Mar. 2026
Bonds are supposed to be for capital investments — improvements that will last for years, justifying the long-term cost of financing them.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
The Pentagon circulated a draft notification internally meant for the congressional Armed Services Committees, justifying the withdrawal of military support for the Jamboree.
—Graham Smith, NPR, 27 Feb. 2026
Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
What’s old is new Third spaces have evolved to encompass specific purposes, justifying the price tag that often comes with them, since some membership clubs can thousands of dollars per month.
—Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 7 Mar. 2026
As Hollywood’s concern around artificial intelligence grows, Seth MacFarlane is justifying the technology after bringing one of his long-running impressions to life.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2026
Webber said a disciplinary process is underway, justifying the city's refusal to release the outside investigation report.
—Brian Maass, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026
That meant everything in the effort to maximize Stafford’s window, justifying a major trade package.
—Jesse Newell, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2026
Experts say this rationale is a new way of justifying bringing users’ content back to life.
—Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 3 Mar. 2026
Bonds are supposed to be for capital investments — improvements that will last for years, justifying the long-term cost of financing them.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
The Pentagon circulated a draft notification internally meant for the congressional Armed Services Committees, justifying the withdrawal of military support for the Jamboree.
—Graham Smith, NPR, 27 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justifying
Verb
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Gassert disagreed with Dominguez’s decision to kick Oliveros out of the house, explaining that an agent’s morality shouldn’t be conditional.—
Tyler Carmona,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
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Now, the Connecticut state legislature is moving to control the curriculum of all schools in the state without explaining why politicians know better than parents how to educate their children.—
Nicholas Tampio,
Hartford Courant,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Inter Miami earned a bye as defending MLS champion.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
10 Mar. 2026
-
The defending champions were relentless.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Americans must hold the president to a higher standard and stop excusing him like a misbehaving child from a broken home.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
7 Feb. 2026
-
But there’s no excusing Josh Allen’s four turnovers.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Basij, a paramilitary volunteer militia under the umbrella of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is tasked with maintaining societal control.—
Robert Stewart,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Mar. 2026
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Since inflammation is linked to common concerns like acne, rosacea, and eczema, maintaining healthy levels could play a small role in keeping skin looking more even and less irritated.—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Until then, Polis must remain steadfast in upholding justice.—
Krista Kafer,
Denver Post,
6 Mar. 2026
-
The order, Protecting the Rights and Well-Being of Baltimore City Residents, highlights the city's commitment to upholding the safety, dignity, and rights of all residents, the mayor said.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Justifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justifying. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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