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
The earnings expectations that break the map Even before the dispersion data crystallized, Lamont was growing uneasy about the earnings story justifying valuations.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 12 June 2026
But Adraee has been accused of justifying the killing of some journalists.
—Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
But Adraee has been accused of justifying the killing of some journalists.
—ABC News, 8 June 2026
The business momentum is clear here, justifying the stock’s strong performance over the past four to five weeks.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 2 June 2026
Perhaps the Thunder would see the upside of a SGA-Giannis-J-Dub core as justifying the risk of cutting down their depth to that extent.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 1 June 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
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
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 12 June 2026
But Adraee has been accused of justifying the killing of some journalists.
—Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
But Adraee has been accused of justifying the killing of some journalists.
—ABC News, 8 June 2026
The business momentum is clear here, justifying the stock’s strong performance over the past four to five weeks.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 2 June 2026
Perhaps the Thunder would see the upside of a SGA-Giannis-J-Dub core as justifying the risk of cutting down their depth to that extent.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 1 June 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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justifying
Verb
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Elena witnessed the argument and tried explaining to Moshe their concerns about previous squatters in the building.—
Olivia Bensimon,
Curbed,
17 June 2026
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In November, Rashada posted a tutorial video to his Instagram account explaining the claims-buying process, which led to a flood of referrals over next several months.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
17 June 2026
Verb
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The Inter Miami captain scored a hat trick for defending World Cup champion Argentina in a 3-0 rout of Algeria in their tournament opener.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
17 June 2026
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But Cape Verde simply did not wilt in a solid, switched-on 4-5-1 defensive shape, compressing space between the lines and defending heroically in their own penalty area to keep the European Champions at bay, and committing only one foul in the process — the fewest ever recorded in a World Cup game.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Without excusing her actions, Harron’s film explores Solanis’ place as a misfit even within the outsider world of the 1960s NYC underground art scene.—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
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No one is excusing Austin Metcalf’s murder.—
Jack Crosbie,
Rolling Stone,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Simpson explained that maintaining her glossy image was emotionally challenging.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 June 2026
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Statisticians call it an illusory correlation, maintaining that proponents perceive a predictive relationship when actually non exists.—
Chuck Murr,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Verb
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The Haitian Bridge Alliance, a rights group that advocates for Haitians immigrants, urged the Supreme Court to reject the government’s ask to end TPS and affirm lower court’s rulings upholding the protections.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
17 June 2026
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Almost every line feels like a dare to consider a deeper meaning than the mad realities of the gold rush and upholding a dying man’s wish.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Justifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justifying. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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