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 The logic Daly uses to justify not making changes is just so inherently flawed. Pierre Lebrun, New York Times, 5 June 2025 But variability in symptoms doesn’t justify variability in care. Sean C. Domnick, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025 This has always been an issue with AMD, Nvidia, and Intel's board partners, who try to add things like fancy cooling, lighting, or marginal overclocks to justify raising the price. ArsTechnica, 4 June 2025 The administration justified the revocation by asserting the need for a unified national standard to reduce vehicle costs and improve safety. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for justify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justify
Verb
  • The smaller budget is in part explained by the expiration of one-time spending that came as part of 2023’s more than $70 billion budget that raised spending by nearly 40%.
    Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 7 June 2025
  • And as one dad recently shared on Reddit, the days of explaining things with talk of storks or other mythical tales are likely over.
    Christian Dashiell, Parents, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • A day after the singer, 38, shocked fans by walking the 2025 American Music Awards red carpet with a blonde bob — a far departure from her trademark long locks — Pratt, 41, defended his wife against hate comments.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 28 May 2025
  • Kehoe, in response to a question from The Star on Tuesday, defended his decision to push the plan at the 11th-hour.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • This creates a tension between excusing and exempting abuse.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • But for her, the speculation doesn’t excuse what came next.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Prosecutors said the defendants had marketed gaming operations in the two states and helped internet cafes set and maintain terminals that operated the games, which could be played for credits.
    Ethan Wolin, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2025
  • Recent polling suggests Trump maintains an unexpectedly strong foothold in the Garden State.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • However, the president fumed at foreign leaders on Friday for failing to uphold their end of the deal.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 30 May 2025
  • There is a fundamental truth here that must be upheld.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Justify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justify. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on justify

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