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
During the event, Dixon argued in favor of armed political action, while justifying it as self-defense against Nazis, fascists and White supremacists.
—
Julia Bonavita , Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2025
That was until Eric Adams stepped in with a rare veto on the council’s vote, justifying his decision by claiming that the Bronx should have the same odds to be chosen for a casino as other parts of New York City.
—Clio Chang, Curbed, 30 Sep. 2025
Fundamentals Relative to peers, FTNT trades at a modest premium on forward P/E multiples, but its profitability metrics far exceed industry averages, justifying upside potential.
—Tony Zhang, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025
Avoid debating or justifying your actions repeatedly.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Film workers for Palestine target those complicit, film companies and institutions, that are whitewashing or justifying Israel’s genocide in Gaza and its apartheid regime.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 15 Sep. 2025
The pledge and the accompanying FAQs clearly state that the targets are complicit Israeli film institutions and companies, given their pervasive involvement in whitewashing or justifying Israel’s genocide in Gaza and its apartheid regime against all Palestinians.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
The Pentagon hasn't released information publicly justifying the destruction of the boat.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
Bob felt that Clark Gilmer was 'justifying the harm' done to trans people in her comments about King.
—EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Julia Bonavita , Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2025
That was until Eric Adams stepped in with a rare veto on the council’s vote, justifying his decision by claiming that the Bronx should have the same odds to be chosen for a casino as other parts of New York City.
—Clio Chang, Curbed, 30 Sep. 2025
Fundamentals Relative to peers, FTNT trades at a modest premium on forward P/E multiples, but its profitability metrics far exceed industry averages, justifying upside potential.
—Tony Zhang, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025
Avoid debating or justifying your actions repeatedly.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Film workers for Palestine target those complicit, film companies and institutions, that are whitewashing or justifying Israel’s genocide in Gaza and its apartheid regime.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 15 Sep. 2025
The pledge and the accompanying FAQs clearly state that the targets are complicit Israeli film institutions and companies, given their pervasive involvement in whitewashing or justifying Israel’s genocide in Gaza and its apartheid regime against all Palestinians.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
The Pentagon hasn't released information publicly justifying the destruction of the boat.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
Bob felt that Clark Gilmer was 'justifying the harm' done to trans people in her comments about King.
—EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justifying
Verb
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Disorders like tremors can be traced to specific misbehaving circuits in the brain, Munyon said while explaining the procedure.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Oct. 2025
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Robinson also leans on ChatGPT to talk through lifestyle adjustments like meal prep ideas, travel accommodations, and communication strategies for explaining her health needs to clients and colleagues.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The team went to the Eastern Conference finals last season after unexpectedly knocking off the defending world champion Boston Celtics in the second round before falling to the Indiana Pacers.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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The pop singer and humanitarian Sting has likewise spoken out about this concept in the past when defending his performance in Uzbekistan in 2009.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Celebrating or excusing violence is abhorrent.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Sep. 2025
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Procedures for excusing or deferring jury duty differs by county, according to the state’s judicial website.—
Tanasia Kenney,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Infielder Miguel Rojas broke into a full sprint and dove to get the third out at third base, giving Snell a sixth scoreless inning and maintaining the stalemate while the Dodgers staved off having to go to the bullpen.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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The studs on the side give the pants a dressier look while maintaining a comfy fit with drapey polyester legs and an elastic waistband.—
Anna Popp,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Their work reflects the evolving nature of law while upholding the principles that define its foundation.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
6 Oct. 2025
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Crafted to adapt to the unique demands of each story, the guide provides flexibility while upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity.—
Nashville Tennessean,
Nashville Tennessean,
5 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Justifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justifying. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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