justification

[juhs-tuh-fi-key-shuhn] / ˌdʒʌs tə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

NOUN

reason, excuse

Synonyms

STRONGEST

apology approval argument basis confirmation explanation pretext rationale rationalization vindication

STRONG

absolution account acquittal advocacy answer apologia cop-out defense exculpation exoneration extenuation grounds idea mitigation palliation palliative plea rebuttal reply response sanctification story support validation warrant wherefore

WEAK

raison d'être song and dance whatfor whitewashing whole idea why and wherefore

Antonyms

STRONGEST

charge indictment opposition

STRONG

question request 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.

“Literally thousands of nominations with absolutely no justification for why it needed to be there.”

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

It was dubbed, with much justification, the “Single Greatest Predictor of Future Stock Returns.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

For clinicians, the ask is more immediate: Pause before treating BMI as sufficient justification for a prescription.

From Slate • Mar. 22, 2026

That means "unsavory facts will take longer to come to light, if they do at all. The administration will feel less pressure to provide a coherent justification and plan," he said.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

Then he ordered the state-controlled Reuters News Agency to issue a statement: “Inexorably and not without justification we demand Braddock shall defend the title on German soil.”

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown

justification

Example Sentences

Related Words