Justify — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈjə-stə-ˌfī/ jus·ti·fy

Meaning & Definition of Justify

Justify (verb)

  1. to prove or show to be just, right, or reasonable
  2. to show to have had a sufficient legal reason
  3. to qualify (oneself) as a surety by taking oath to the ownership of sufficient property

Justify (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to be an acceptable reason for

    "you seem to think that losing a basketball game justifies a temper tantrum"

    similar: excuse
    related: account (for), alibi, explain, explain away, rationalize, brush (aside or off), condone, disregard, forgive, gloss (over), gloze (over), ignore, pardon, pass over, remit, shrug off, wink (at)

  2. to continue to declare to be true or proper despite opposition or objections

    "failed to justify the need for a war at this time"

    similar: defend, maintain, support, uphold, stand up for, stick up for
    related: advocate, champion, espouse, confirm, vindicate, warrant, affirm, assert, aver, avouch, avow, claim, contend, insist, plead, proclaim, profess, protest, state, argue, debate, discuss, emphasize, stress, underline, underscore
    near: abandon, abjure, forsake, recant, retract, take back, withdraw, reverse, switch, controvert, disprove, rebut, refute

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Justify

The most common words with a similar meaning to Justify:

excuse, defend, maintain, support, uphold, stand up for, stick up for

Related Words for Justify

account (for), alibi, explain, explain away, rationalize, brush (aside or off), condone, disregard, forgive, gloss (over), gloze (over), ignore, pardon, pass over, remit, shrug off, wink (at), advocate, champion, espouse, confirm, vindicate, warrant, affirm, assert, aver, avouch, avow, claim, contend

Near Antonyms of Justify

abandon, abjure, forsake, recant, retract, take back, withdraw, reverse, switch, controvert, disprove, rebut, refute

Word Forms of Justify

Inflections: justified, justifying

Derived words: justifier (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Justify

Middle English justifien, from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French justifier, from Late Latin justificare, from Latin justus just:1

First known use: 14th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Justify

Words & Phrases Containing Justify

justify oneself

Frequently Asked Questions about Justify

What does "Justify" mean?

"Justify" means to prove or show to be just, right, or reasonable. As a verb, it is defined as: to prove or show to be just, right, or reasonable. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Justify"?

Other words for "Justify" include excuse, defend, maintain, support, uphold, stand up for and stick up for. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Justify" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Justify"?

There are 50 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Justify". Common alternatives include excuse, defend, maintain, support, uphold, stand up for and stick up for.

How do you use "Justify" in a sentence?

Examples of "Justify" in a sentence: "you seem to think that losing a basketball game justifies a temper tantrum"; "failed to justify the need for a war at this time".

Is "Justify" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Justify" is a verb.

Is "Justify" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Justify" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Justify"?

"Justify" is pronounced /ˈjə-stə-ˌfī/ and divided into syllables as jus·ti·fy.

What is the origin of the word "Justify"?

"Justify" comes from Middle English justifien, from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French justifier, from Late Latin justificare, from Latin justus just:1. First known use: 14th centuryt.