just 1 of 2

1
2
3
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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6

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
To critics, the obvious answer would be ego, stubbornness or just plain stupidity. Robert Pearl, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025 The left-hander ended up recording just one out while being charged with four unearned runs. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2025
Adjective
Biden dropped out of the 2024 election after a disastrous debate performance against Trump just months before Election Day. Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025 Felipe championed the just cause eviction bill again this session. Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for just
Recent Examples of Synonyms for just
Adverb
  • By then, Akasha had a sense of exactly who had come knocking.
    Andy Greenberg, Wired News, 22 May 2025
  • Auditors examined only 35 of the 139 no-bid contracts over a year and a half but noted that ongoing issues with SANDAG’s record-keeping software prevented them from verifying exactly how many no-bid contracts the agency has.
    Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
Adverb
  • Meanwhile, Seraphina Harrigan (Mandeep Dhillon) — who barely escaped that same buzzing blade — is sitting in the back of a black SUV, her face still covered in her brother's blood.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 18 May 2025
  • In Tromsø, where snow still lingers on the mountains and the sun barely dips below the horizon, Norway’s national day takes on a distinctive Arctic character.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Adverb
  • The bill now heads for a vote in the full House, where Speaker Johnson is operating under very tight margins: House Republicans have one of the thinnest majorities in history at 220-212, meaning Johnson can only afford to lose three members of his caucus if all Democrats are opposed.
    Nik Popli, Time, 22 May 2025
  • Right above is an office accessible only by a ladder, giving it a sort of treehouse feel.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 21 May 2025
Adverb
  • These jangly contradictions, presented as truths, are designed to rattle and rewire our brains; just think how easily a corrupt authoritarian leader could put them to use, and how readily a not-thinking public could fall right in line.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 20 May 2025
  • Dutch expressionist Henk Chabot’s (1894-1949) paintings would feel right at home at Fenix.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Adverb
  • In 2024, the team simply did not live up to expectations, although that was not his fault.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
  • My advice, however, is not to stop using PINs but simply to use longer ones.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Adverb
  • The two admired the rapper's car collection as 2 Chainz explained his love for a certain Tesla model that has been under scrutiny lately.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 24 May 2025
  • Why Are More Americans Interested In Dual Citizenship? Marshall has also noticed a clear trend of more Americans, especially those with significant assets, applying for dual citizenship lately.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • The protean hatred of Jews is always justified, and never justifiable.
    Rabbi David Wolpe, Time, 23 May 2025
  • Your personal life doesn't need to be defended, justified, or sacrificed because someone else's priorities weren't planned for.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Even with Bailey singing her lovestruck heart out, Rob Marshall's redo doesn't make the same refreshing splash as the 1989 animated classic but gets points for trying with a more logical narrative.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • Therefore, the logical starting point might be to first to prop this thing at least back up to respectability.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Just.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/just. Accessed 30 May. 2025.

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