justify

[juhs-tuh-fahy] / ˈdʒʌs təˌfaɪ /

VERB

legitimize, substantiate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

advocate condone confirm countenance defend explain favor maintain rationalize support sustain uphold validate vindicate warrant

STRONG

absolve acquit alibi approve assert brief claim clear contend crawl establish exculpate excuse exonerate legalize palliate pardon plead rebut square verify

WEAK

answer for apologize for argue for be answerable for bear out cop a plea do justice to make allowances make good show cause speak in favor stand up for

Antonyms

STRONGEST

attack condemn contradict deny desert disapprove neglect oppose refuse reject veto

STRONG

accuse blame charge convict damn disagree disprove incriminate invalidate punish sentence

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Ultimately, current market conditions did not justify the level of investment required to responsibly move the project forward.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

Fans of Marvel’s grittier side should like “Punisher,” and “Maul” is cool, but is that enough to justify a subscription?

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

Though two of her grandparents died in Haiti in the last month, she couldn’t justify traveling to the island nation to attend their funerals out of concern for her and her family’s safety.

From Salon • Apr. 30, 2026

That spending is being scrutinized for signs that it could bring in enough new business to justify the pace of expansion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

Jordie’s little fortune wasn’t enough to justify such a setup.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

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