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.

Many investors left the trip excited but questioning how SpaceX’s financials could justify such a large rumored valuation.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

She said the case was only launched to justify the government's decision to deport the 30 year old.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

And because I’ve saved money on the practical things, I can justify tossing a bag of frozen dumplings into my basket for fun — a tiny luxury subsidized by scallions.

From Salon • May 22, 2026

There “can be no assurance that the returns on our AI investments will be adequate to justify the capital deployed,” SpaceX said.

From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026

There’s always enough random success to justify almost anything to someone who wants to believe.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos

Vocabulary lists containing justify

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Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 3

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