just 1 of 2

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as in only
nothing more than I was just kidding

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in right
as stated or indicated without the slightest difference the length of the curtain is just right

Synonyms & Similar Words

5
6

just

2 of 2

adjective

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective just differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of just are conscientious, honest, honorable, scrupulous, and upright. While all these words mean "having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right," just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable.

workers given just compensation

How are the words conscientious and scrupulous related as synonyms of just?

Both conscientious and scrupulous imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience.

conscientious in the completion of her assignments
scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will

Where would honest be a reasonable alternative to just?

In some situations, the words honest and just are roughly equivalent. However, honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, or fairness.

known for being honest in business dealings

When might honorable be a better fit than just?

While in some cases nearly identical to just, honorable suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty.

a difficult but honorable decision

When is upright a more appropriate choice than just?

The synonyms upright and just are sometimes interchangeable, but upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles.

a stern and upright minister

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 just
Adverb
The earthquake shook at a depth of just 3 miles, with its epicenter roughly 4 miles southeast of Black Point-Green Point. Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025 Australia had Clarence Pellew who, believe it or not, was said to be able to throw a cricket ball 100 yards and sprint the same distance in just over 10 seconds. James Wallace, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
It was simply held accountable in a just settlement. Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025 Since 2000, at least 23 countries have expanded the focus of their central banks beyond just inflation. Ana Carolina Garriga, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for just
Recent Examples of Synonyms for just
Adverb
  • Jw Pei Hana Mini Tote Bag City days call for chic bags, and the JW Pei Hana Mini Tote is exactly that.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Stuart Russell is convinced that there is exactly zero percent chance that this will end well.
    Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Fired from elite law firm Tinley Britt after an argument with his boss (John Slattery), Rudy barely pauses for breath before launching into righteous combat.
    Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Osaka looked at the ball, barely moved her feet, and then looked at the ground.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Despite fierce opposition to certain kids books by conservative activists, Maricopa County, which serves 144,000 library cardholders, received only 12 formal letters asking for reevaluation of library books and DVDs since 2021.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • After that, Alcaraz brought the hammer down with his otherwise impenetrable delivery, which was broken only three times across the tournament.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • However, the Ulrich plan largely predicted it right, envisioning a district that would absorb all of California’s northern state line with Oregon, stretching to Nevada.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The inability, or decision not, to sell players who would have boosted the club’s spending power is a subjective call made by United’s key decision-makers that will never sit right with some supporters.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Usually, though, it would be complemented by a transverse rear bed, because a longitudinal bed layout simply wouldn't fit behind the popular tandem bathroom compartment and front dinette.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2025
  • When a film delivers both scares and a great story, audiences turn out in huge numbers because there is simply no substitute for the thrill of horror on the big screen.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • In the early part of his campaign, Simpson performed his climbs by himself, but lately his father has joined him in the adventure.
    David Chiu, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Tough to know what to make of the Detroit Tigers lately.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Efficient, neat, always available as a means of compensating for her (completely justified) fear of not being a brilliant enough copywriter.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
  • And this is only the energy aspect, water and land use further add to the cluster of justified environmental concern.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Searching for a logical progression from The Office and like-minded comedies, so far The Paper has come up with a strange, often funny hybrid, with characters experiencing Parks and Rec idealism and Office-style fluorescent-light tedium simultaneously and sometimes incoherently.
    Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Without a body to put to rest, even when there is no other logical conclusion than death, people can imagine and cling to the most improbable of alternatives.
    Bjorn Dihle, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Just.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/just. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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