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

Jassy’s justification is that much of the spending has to happen now to pay off later.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

She might be ill-tempered, he thought, but it was with a certain amount of justification, after all.

From "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman