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.

The local authority previously ruled out spending £4m to allow cars to use it again as it decided that expense could not be justified.

From BBC

While growth-inflation considerations justify more fiscal and monetary easing, concerns about the fiscal deficit exceeding the legal ceiling could keep policymakers wary about making any moves until the headwinds ease.

From The Wall Street Journal

When you no longer have children in the school system, it’s hard to justify the high property taxes in certain towns.

From MarketWatch

"The war in Iran cannot justify such attacks," Macron said, calling the strike "unacceptable".

From Barron's

Meanwhile, some believed regime change was justified on human rights grounds.

From BBC

justify

Example Sentences

Related Words