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 persistently high inflation could make cuts difficult to justify.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

As a nostalgia piece, it’s “A Christmas Story” with a third of the jokes, none of the cynicism and not quite the length to justify itself as a movie.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

Still, demand can raise prices high enough to justify new production.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

She said medical spas are prescribing off-label drugs that don’t meet the criteria set out by the FDA that justify a prescription.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

Ella bit her bottom lip and thought of all the times she'd overheard her papa justify why she should go to the Institute.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton

Vocabulary lists containing justify

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