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.

“Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

That lack of clarity may justify a structural valuation discount that limits the upside in the stock and keeps it volatile going forward.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

One legitimate concern among cardiologists, says Blaha, is doctors who may inappropriately use a calcium score to justify doing a procedure, such as putting a stent in.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

“While having SpaceX listed would bring substantial value to an exchange, this alone should not justify altering the method used to determine index inclusion,” Matturri wrote in a LinkedIn post.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

But the supernatural beliefs of bands and tribes did not serve to justify central authority, justify transfer of wealth, or maintain peace between unrelated individuals.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

justify

Example Sentences

Related Words