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 As a result, the court ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to either determine whether greenhouse gases from new vehicles contribute to climate change, and therefore endanger human health, or justify its refusal to study the issue. Hannah Wiseman, The Conversation, 18 Apr. 2025 Vance, speaking with Sean Hannity on Fox, sought to justify the Administration’s actions in Catholic terms. Paul Elie, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2025 Side characters feel shoe-horned in to justify a sprawling ensemble. Courtney Howard, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025 On Monday, seven of the Constitutional Court's eight judges overturned or dismissed Han's impeachment, arguing that accusations against him either did not constitute legal violations or were not severe enough to justify removing him from office. Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for justify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justify
Verb
  • This effect could explain why telescopes detect more galaxies rotating opposite to Earth’s motion than expected.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2025
  • If your golf cart has four wheels, weighs less than 3,000 pounds and can exceed speeds of 20 mph, it’s considered a low-speed vehicle under California law, Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers explained.
    Fernanda Galan, Sacramento Bee, 16 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Frazier would protest the bout without Ali, but ended up winning the title against Jimmy Ellis, and defended it four times before losing to Foreman.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Hamilton maintained his lead throughout the 19-lap sprint race and defended the position from Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen, who lost the second spot to Piastri after his front tires began to wear out significantly.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 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
  • This substantial commitment reflects the scale of investment required to maintain competitive positioning in the rapidly evolving AI infrastructure market.
    Maribel Lopez, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • However, that seems to be less effective for maintaining constant blood levels over the long term than simply taking smaller regular doses of around 800 to 2000 IU daily.
    Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 14 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 22 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!