Definitions

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.

Investment bankers might be salivating at the prospects, but ending one problematic combination doesn’t automatically justify, or open the floodgates, for more.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

Mark Hackett, chief market strategist at Nationwide, said earnings have helped to justify the rapid repricing higher of stocks.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 30, 2026

The pair, who follow the Three Lions regularly, admit they would love to attend the final, but cannot justify the £3,000 they have each been quoted for a ticket.

From BBC • Jun. 29, 2026

As for OpenAI, which was valued at $852 billion in its last round of private financing, it may not be able to justify a market cap of nearly $1 trillion.

From Barron's • Jun. 26, 2026

It didn’t justify or excuse what she’d said.

From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman

Vocabulary lists containing justify

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 3

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You Be the Judge: Jud, Jur, Jus

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