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.

While Woronka sees some underlying positive momentum in company’s core business, he finds it difficult to justify the current stock price using traditional valuation metrics with a 12-month horizon.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

To justify his decision, he invoked the need to "defend national security".

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 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

In his lawsuit, Bonta argued that Bianco failed to identify a specific crime in the warrants to justify seizing the ballots.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Compton was even more infuriated to learn that the army had invoked his name to justify its action.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

justify

Example Sentences

Related Words