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
  • And as one Redditor explained, Quito is a great option.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2025
  • They were approved in the fall so that students could enroll in the courses in time for the 2025-26 school year, Purcell explained at the March meeting.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • During World War Two, the United States established over a dozen military bases in Greenland to defend the North Atlantic from Nazi incursion.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • This year, 2025, has been positioned as the Great Reset — the first period without any asterisks to excuse the industry’s lack of recovery.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 31 Mar. 2025
  • None of which excuses a failure to search such sagas for good ideas that might be repurposed today.
    Bill Fischer, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 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
  • The Trump administration appealed the Boasberg order, which the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Somewhat surprisingly, the Supreme Court, in an opinion by Chief Justice Warren Burger, a Nixon appointee, unanimously upheld the order almost in its entirety.
    Louis Menand, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Justify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justify. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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