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 They’d be perfectly justified in taking a tight end, despite adding Engram in free agency. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2025 The president justified the decision by saying the duty fees would spur automakers to build more vehicles in America, and, in the process, create more jobs for the country’s workers. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, others, including Sen. Chuck Grassley, have proposed a bill requiring presidents to justify tariffs to Congress. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025 Ukraine’s General Staff denied the allegations, saying in a statement Wednesday that Russia’s claims were part of a broader disinformation campaign aimed at justifying continued hostilities. Illia Novikov and Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for justify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justify
Verb
  • This is something Jordan has previously pointed out, explaining that teens can simply sign up for platforms with a false birthdate.
    Anna Halkidis, Parents, 8 Apr. 2025
  • And as one Redditor explained, Quito is a great option.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The judge defended his decision, citing the fact that Sullivan has no permanent residence, has been admitted to a hospital since her arrest for mental health reasons, has no prior criminal record and has not failed to appear in court as reasons why house arrest is not necessary.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Additionally, on Thursday, March 27, Burgess defended her and Green’s co-parenting relationship with Fox.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Until Henry momentarily excuses himself from the table, that is, and the person or persons behind these winky-wink messages tell her to poison Henry ASAP or the menacing guy currently hiding in her apartment will kill her boy.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The 2025 Masters is here, and more than Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele will be on display this week at Augusta National Golf Club for all the fans — excuse us, patrons — to bear witness to.
    Hugh Kellenberger, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Trump administration’s policies have led to actions such as the withdrawal of federal funding from institutions maintaining DEI programs.
    Jason Wingard, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, executive producer David Bernad reveals he and show creator Mike White had a backup plan to ensure the show maintains its signature shock factor.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Jena, Louisiana — An immigration judge in Louisiana on Friday allowed the Trump administration to move forward with its effort to deport Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil, upholding one of the deportation grounds cited by the government.
    Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • In February 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit largely upheld Judge Failla’s decision, affirming the dismissal of the federal claims.
    Andrea Tinianow, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Justify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justify. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on justify

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!