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

1
2
3
4
5
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
  • But what exactly can leaders do to enhance their teams’ performance?
    ESMT Berlin, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • And then there’s Greer, who brings a perfect blend of physicality and offensive pop to fit exactly what Maurice wants in a fourth-line forward.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
Adverb
  • His penalty, barely three minutes earlier, led to a Roope Hintz power-play goal that narrowed Edmonton’s lead to 3-2, but then Ekholm blocked a shot from Thomas Harley at the right faceoff dot.
    Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Savannah Chrisley said her parents had barely began to adjust to life outside prison walls.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 30 May 2025
Adverb
  • And thank you to everyone who not only watched the show, but took Spencer James’s mantra of ‘Dream Big.
    Selome Hailu, Variety, 2 June 2025
  • Clients would get the remains of not only their loved one, but also the remains of other bodies.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 2 June 2025
Adverb
  • The jungle-like garden, Norton’s collection of 250 rare plants, including palms, orchids, and other native plants, is beautiful itself, and Norton’s massive sculptures (in stone, wood, and bronze) look right at home among the vegetation.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 31 May 2025
  • Crossbody Bag Crossbody bags are a travel essential, keeping your phone, cash, cards, passport, and SPF right at your fingertips without having to dig through a bulky backpack or tote bag.
    Gregory Robinson, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2025
Adverb
  • My advice, however, is not to stop using PINs but simply to use longer ones.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • In 2024, the team simply did not live up to expectations, although that was not his fault.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Just.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/just. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on just

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!