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.

But what was shocking was the breadth of the legal rationale used to justify the orders.

From Slate • May 15, 2026

Artificially lowering prices makes it harder for companies to justify taking the kinds of risks that lead to transformative medicines.

From Salon • May 15, 2026

That means the jobs picture likely isn’t weak enough to justify cautious easing.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

And this time around, investors can point to strong earnings growth to help justify the torrid surge in prices.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

It’s up to me to repay the team, justify my food and keep, like a queen ant with eggs.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

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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