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 deal remains "too fragile and politically contested" to justify a growth forecast change for India, he added.

From Barron's

“This campaign cannot be justified as self-defense,” Muyaya said in an interview.

From The Wall Street Journal

He justified it by saying he wanted a team with an identity rather than a group of individuals.

From The Wall Street Journal

If knowledge suddenly isn’t worth paying for, then it’s hard to justify paying a premium for U.S. stocks.

From Barron's

“Policy goals cannot justify actions that in themselves violate human rights.”

From The Wall Street Journal