Synonyms for

Justify

Verb / ˈdʒʌstʌˌfaɪ / Another word for justify — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To prove or show to be right or reasonable; to be a good reason for something.

Synonyms & similar words

absolve blame apologize apologise free rationalise excuse rationalize warrant vindicate vindicate validate substantiate support confirm authenticate verify validate warrant excuse rationalize exonerate absolve exculpate defend explain clarify elucidate enlighten illuminate

Synonyms by register

Formal

substantiate validate corroborate vindicate

Informal

back up explain make sense of show why

Literary

exculpate absolve

Antonyms

condemn accuse blame censure denounce discredit impeach

Common collocations

  • justify a decision
  • justify an action
  • justify the cost
  • justify the expense
  • justify the means
  • justify the delay
  • justify one's existence

Word family

noun justification
verb justify
adjective justifiable
adverb justifiably

Usage note

Often used in formal contexts to mean providing a good reason for something. Be careful not to confuse with 'satisfy', which has a different meaning.

Example sentences

  1. I can justify my purchase because it was on sale.
  2. He tried to justify his behavior, but it was still wrong.
  3. She had to justify her decision to her boss.
  4. The evidence helped to justify the suspect's arrest.
  5. The lawyer was able to justify his client's actions in court.

Quotes

  • It is far better to be free to govern or misgovern yourself than to be governed by anyone else. It is not as though you have lost the right to be free if you reject the government's claim to justify its authority on the grounds that it is acting in your interests. - Thomas Szasz
  • The only way to justify our existence is to move on, to take the next step up. - Anais Nin
  • The only way to justify art is to destroy all theories. - Marcel Duchamp

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