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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of justifying
For now, Yamamoto is on top of the world, justifying every dollar of the $325 million investment the Dodgers made in him.
—
Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Giuffre takes an interest in Epstein’s own self-justifying attitude toward his crimes.
—Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 25 Oct. 2025
But critics have taken issue with the reordering of Reagan’s statements and the removal of the context of him making these statements in a speech justifying his decision to impose tariffs on Japan.
—Surina Venkat, The Hill, 24 Oct. 2025
The midfield area certainly functioned better against Frankfurt, with Curtis Jones more than justifying his inclusion.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Specifically, Barnes referenced Act 237, or the LEARNS Act, and Act 372, as two statutes justifying the memo's release.
—Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2025
Prometheus is the unshackled man who shouldn’t worry about consent or consequence, the very vision of the self-justifying right-wing idiot.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
But in a lot of my shows, no one is justifying their transness.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 21 Oct. 2025
While sometimes tedious, sharing this information will satiate your boss’s desire for oversight, while saving you the effort of justifying yourself later.
—Melody Wilding, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Giuffre takes an interest in Epstein’s own self-justifying attitude toward his crimes.
—Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 25 Oct. 2025
But critics have taken issue with the reordering of Reagan’s statements and the removal of the context of him making these statements in a speech justifying his decision to impose tariffs on Japan.
—Surina Venkat, The Hill, 24 Oct. 2025
The midfield area certainly functioned better against Frankfurt, with Curtis Jones more than justifying his inclusion.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Specifically, Barnes referenced Act 237, or the LEARNS Act, and Act 372, as two statutes justifying the memo's release.
—Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2025
Prometheus is the unshackled man who shouldn’t worry about consent or consequence, the very vision of the self-justifying right-wing idiot.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
But in a lot of my shows, no one is justifying their transness.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 21 Oct. 2025
While sometimes tedious, sharing this information will satiate your boss’s desire for oversight, while saving you the effort of justifying yourself later.
—Melody Wilding, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justifying
Verb
-
The sheriff rebutted these calls by explaining that due to the executive order signed by Braun in January and related directives from Attorney General Todd Rokita, he was forced to comply with federal immigration efforts.—
Noe Padilla,
IndyStar,
31 Oct. 2025
-
And politicians often use them as a way of explaining why things are going in a wrong direction, instead of taking responsibility for whatever goes wrong, or simply to raise fear.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But naturally, Meredith can see right through this plan and refuses to get dragged into this mess — especially when Lisa is already starting to break down at the thought of Meredith not defending her.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Then Vice President Cheney condemned those behind the torture scandal, while at the same time defending water-boarding as a useful means of extracting vital intelligence (many intelligence experts say water-boarding is torture, and its victims will say anything to avoid further abuse).—
Ben Wedeman,
CNN Money,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Some Republicans and Democrats criticized Vance’s response for excusing or downplaying the nature of the chat messages.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Celebrating or excusing violence is abhorrent.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Borrowers can help their case by annually certifying their employment with an eligible public service employer and by maintaining records of their loan’s eligibility, repayment plan and monthly payments.—
Jennifer L. Steele,
The Conversation,
3 Nov. 2025
-
The beauty, whose warmth was showcased previously during her days hosting on QVC, is known for maintaining a cheerful, positive demeanor, even amid challenges.—
Victoria Uwumarogie,
Essence,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
By upholding his virtue and revealing the emptiness of evil, Ignatius Maloyan earned sainthood, joining the enduring Communion of witnesses.—
Jenni Fink,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
-
These convictions demonstrate the professionalism and dedication of Yosemite’s protection team in upholding federal regulations and ensuring the safety of both visitors and first responders.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Justifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justifying. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share