1
as in reasonable
based on sound reasoning or information
in a well-justified ruling the court voted unanimously to overturn the law
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in deserved
being what is called for by accepted standards of right and wrong
the use of force to capture the armed fugitive was fully justified
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in explained
to be an acceptable reason for
you seem to think that losing a basketball game justifies a temper tantrum
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in defended
to continue to declare to be true or proper despite opposition or objections
failed to justify the need for a war at this time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of justified
Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Legal experts argue that this is precisely the kind of case where a broad injunction is not only justified but necessary.
—Nik Popli, Time, 14 May 2025
Graeme Taskerud, Denver Post, 11 Apr. 2025
The record signing has justified his hefty price tag with goals (eight), assists (four) and a high work rate out of possession across 32 appearances.
—Andy Naylor, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for justified
Adjective
Ukrainian officials framed the latest strike as a justified response to occupation, while Russian sources reported attempts to repel further maritime drone attacks near the site.
—Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Legal experts argue that this is precisely the kind of case where a broad injunction is not only justified but necessary.
—Nik Popli, Time, 14 May 2025
Verb
Weld County District Attorney Michael Rourke determined the officers were justified in their use of force and cleared them in November 2021 for firing back at Miller, according to the news release.
—Graeme Taskerud, Denver Post, 11 Apr. 2025
The record signing has justified his hefty price tag with goals (eight), assists (four) and a high work rate out of possession across 32 appearances.
—Andy Naylor, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for justified
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justified
Adjective
-
Isolated locations could face a reasonable worst-case scenario of five to seven inches or more, according to the weather service.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
14 July 2025
-
There were a few reasonable opinion drafts, a couple of speeches with a Q&A transcribed, and one very excellent and complete essay on civil rights.—
Ezra Fox
July 14,
Literary Hub,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
The honor is very much deserved for Ryan, who has been the best pitcher on the Twins over the past few months with an 8-4 record, a 2.76 ERA, and 116 strikeouts.—
Dane Mizutani,
Twin Cities,
10 July 2025
-
The Athletics receive plenty of deserved flak about playing in Sacramento — which was a purposeful move — while Tampa Bay continues to play elite baseball despite playing home games in another minor-league park (not purposeful) and continuing to pinch pennies.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
Verb
-
Another teacher explained to me that I can be paid 50% of my husband’s Social Security benefit instead.—
Liz Weston,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
-
The new exemption for technology can be partially explained by the how the supply chain works, but also reinforces where the greatest pain will be felt.—
Lori Ann LaRocco,
CNBC,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
This rivalry continued into Survivor Series 2012, where Punk defended his title in a triple threat match against Ryback and John Cena.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Schumer defended his stance, acknowledging the bill's flaws but arguing that a government shutdown would be worse.—
Amanda Castro,
Newsweek,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The defense firm maintained that the program is an opportunity to align with the Dutch government’s policy of support and empowerment of strategic national industries.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Cool-season lawns maintained at 3 to 4 inches tall have deeper root systems that are better able to withstand adverse conditions, such as drought.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Goldman: The Winnipeg Jets and Wild are logical picks here, although neither team really improved this summer.—
The Athletic NHL Staff,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
-
There is no logical reason why you should not be entitled to retroactive benefit payments.—
Elliot Raphaelson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
As Reuters reports, Indonesia's Ministry of Industry has upheld its ban on the iPhone 16 because Apple has yet to meet its domestic content rules.—
Jibin Joseph,
PCMAG,
8 Jan. 2025
-
Other coalitions are arguing the ban should be upheld, including former national security officials, former officials at the Federal Communications Commission and activist groups that advocate on behalf of the Uyghur people, people in Hong Kong and others against the Chinese government.—
Alison Durkee,
Forbes,
7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Valley Metro will recognize the event tickets as valid light rail fare on the day of the event for four hours prior to the start of the event through the end of the transit day.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
9 July 2025
-
Westchester Cultural Arts Center, 7930 SW 40th St., Miami COST: $30 general admission, $25 for seniors and students with valid ID.—
Maité Hernández-Lorenzo Artburst Miami,
Miami Herald,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Justified.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justified. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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