Synonym Chooser

How does the verb justify differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of justify are assert, defend, maintain, and vindicate. While all these words mean "to uphold as true, right, just, or reasonable," justify implies showing to be true, just, or valid by appeal to a standard or to precedent.

the action was used to justify military intervention

When might assert be a better fit than justify?

The synonyms assert and justify are sometimes interchangeable, but assert suggests determination to make others accept one's claim.

asserted her rights

In what contexts can defend take the place of justify?

The words defend and justify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defend implies maintaining in the face of attack or criticism.

defended his voting record

When would maintain be a good substitute for justify?

While in some cases nearly identical to justify, maintain stresses firmness of conviction.

steadfastly maintained his innocence

When is it sensible to use vindicate instead of justify?

In some situations, the words vindicate and justify are roughly equivalent. However, vindicate implies successfully defending.

his success vindicated our faith in him

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of justify His attorneys argue the charges are a pretext to justify the initial deportation and warn that immigration officials plan to send him to a third country if he's released from jail. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025 As such, the agency is justified in waiving board policy related to a competition solicitation, the report states. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 July 2025 Elsewhere at Samsung Unpacked, an unnamed company executive told Android Authority that a trifold device is ready to go into production, but the company has yet to figure out if there’s enough demand to justify it. PC Magazine, 10 July 2025 Some analysts point to the massive capital expenditures by tech giants on AI infrastructure—with companies like Microsoft, Google, and Meta each spending tens of billions annually on data centers—and question whether the returns will justify the investment. ArsTechnica, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for justify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justify
Verb
  • The woman explained the extensive interviewing process as well as her concerns with pursuing the opportunity on the community forum Mumsnet.
    Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 13 July 2025
  • Another royal source explained that layoffs were inevitable for the former royal family members.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • And the company defended its driver-assistance systems.
    Joel Rose, NPR, 14 July 2025
  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Sunday defended the administration’s response to the disastrous July 4 floods in Texas, as its management of the Federal Emergency Management Agency receives scrutiny.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • None of that, however, excuses the silly and juvenile behavior of the Assembly’s majority Democrats last week when the chamber took up a resolution commemorating Pride month.
    Mark Barabak, Mercury News, 3 July 2025
  • Students who cannot get to school and have bus stops are on a list provided by district officials can get absences excused Thursday and Friday.
    Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Some of that increase will go towards expanding and maintaining the town's fire department, officials said.
    Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 9 July 2025
  • The only thing more impressive is the cast's ability to maintain real, long-term relationships despite spending nearly two decades playing some of the most awful characters on TV.
    Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • The decision to hear the cases follows a decision by the Supreme Court's conservative majority last month upholding state bans on gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2025
  • Last year, West Virginia tried again and urged the Supreme Court to review the 4th Circuit’s decision and uphold its restrictions on transgender athletes.
    David G. Savage Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Justify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justify. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on justify

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