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 Despite complaints that the show does little to justify its existence, and petty, often mean-spirited grievances over casting choices that don’t match the game designs, The Last of Us has been deemed a massive success and a high point in video game adaptations. Richard Newby, Time, 29 Apr. 2025 Frank Thewes, a therapist specializing in relationships and life transitions, told Newsweek that the man's decision to leave was justified. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025 The myth that trans women are a danger to cis women is a grossly transphobic stereotype with almost no real-world justification, but Rowling pins most of her anti-trans arguments on it, using her experience as a survivor of domestic abuse to justify her prejudice. Aja Romano, Vox, 18 Apr. 2025 The funding freezes and cuts have been imposed before the completion of full investigations, and different legal rationales have been offered to justify them. Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for justify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justify
Verb
  • Publisher Rockstar Games, a division of Take Two Interactive, explained in a statement to customers that the longer timeline will allow for a better final product.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 2 May 2025
  • Plus, writer-director Paul Feig explains how true-crime podcasts inspired the film's murderous methods.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • Republicans defend the changes as necessary to prevent fraud in the petition-gathering process, but bill sponsors said that among hundreds of allegations of petition fraud in 2024, there were 18 arrests.
    Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 3 May 2025
  • Following his controversial decision to play the Lakers’ second-half starters for the entirety of Game 4 — a first in NBA playoff history — Redick defended the decision at his practice media availability and his pre-Game 5 availability.
    Jovan Buha, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • The abused person may excuse their abusive partner’s behavior and even blame themselves. 6.
    Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • No one watching in good faith could’ve mistaken her for excusing the marchers.
    Judy Berman, Time, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • In April, 2018, Ayyub was sitting with a friend in a Delhi restaurant when a source alerted her to a video that was appearing in online chat groups maintained by B.J.P. supporters.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
  • With Mathis in the judge’s chair, Amir — who completed training to become an official sheriff reserve officer — serves as the courtroom’s bailiff maintaining order in the court.
    Makena Gera, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Haney had upheld his end of the bargain earlier on Friday, beating José Ramírez by unanimous decision.
    Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
  • In addition to the new promotions, Lauren Gold upholds the senior position of VP of Shelter PR.
    Angelique Jackson, Variety, 2 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Justify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justify. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on justify

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