just 1 of 2

1
2
3
as in only
nothing more than I was just kidding

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in right
as stated or indicated without the slightest difference the length of the curtain is just right

Synonyms & Similar Words

5
6

just

2 of 2

adjective

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6

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective just differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of just are conscientious, honest, honorable, scrupulous, and upright. While all these words mean "having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right," just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable.

workers given just compensation

How are the words conscientious and scrupulous related as synonyms of just?

Both conscientious and scrupulous imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience.

conscientious in the completion of her assignments
scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will

Where would honest be a reasonable alternative to just?

In some situations, the words honest and just are roughly equivalent. However, honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, or fairness.

known for being honest in business dealings

When might honorable be a better fit than just?

While in some cases nearly identical to just, honorable suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty.

a difficult but honorable decision

When is upright a more appropriate choice than just?

The synonyms upright and just are sometimes interchangeable, but upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles.

a stern and upright minister

Examples 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 just
Adverb
Sydney Sweeney wrapped her forthcoming film just in time for Christmas. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 15 Dec. 2024 Board chairman Victor Cruz says the board’s critics just don’t understand how CDDs work, and blames financial problems on previous boards. Natalia Jaramillo, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Dec. 2024
Adjective
Her efforts led the US State Department to label al-Abbasi a political prisoner, held without just cause. Salma Abdelaziz, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024 Rogan released a special episode of his podcast with a three-hour interview alongside Trump just days before the election. Karoline Leonard, Austin American-Statesman, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for just 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for just
Adverb
  • This adorable beaded purse from Anthropologie does exactly that.
    Amber Love Bond, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Sure, Biden has a handful of close confidants but has not been exactly solicitous for advice since winning the White House.
    Philip Elliott, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024
Adverb
  • Somewhat lower, Mesa obtained 83rd place in the ranking, while Glendale and Peoria barely made it in the list at spots No. 144 and 145 respectively.
    Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 19 Dec. 2024
  • The band barely toured the album, and Martin was so down and spending so much time alone that his bandmates were worried for his safety.
    Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 2024
Adverb
  • Rocky Colavito, who was one of baseball’s leading sluggers in his time and a huge fan favorite playing the outfield for the Cleveland Indians, only to be traded away in the most infamous deal in the club’s history, has died.
    Richard Goldstein, New York Times, 11 Dec. 2024
  • An All-Star in six seasons, Colavito provided the muscle for the Cleveland Indians and several other American League teams in the late ’50s and ’60s, an era in which only a handful of Hall of Famers outslugged him.
    Zack Meisel, The Athletic, 11 Dec. 2024
Adverb
  • Commanders-Eagles score update: Jake Elliott gets FG right back If the Eagles were a car, they'd be getting checked out by the mechanic.
    Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Here’s a little experiment: Place a pencil on a flat table and then, taking your two index fingers, push from opposite sides, right at the center.
    Rhett Allain, WIRED, 20 Dec. 2024
Adverb
  • Smaller firms simply lack the resources to compete in this space.
    Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
  • The City of London is widely referred to simply as the City is also colloquially known as the Square Mile.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2024
Adverb
  • The price of crude oil has recovered lately as stronger policy signals from Chinese authorities have once again rekindled expectations of greater stimulus measures in 2025.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • On the other side, Baker Mayfield has been sloppy lately but the Bucs seem to play their best against better opponents.
    Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • But, like it or not, a narrative has taken shape, with many across the internet hailing Mangione — yet to be extradited to New York on the murder change, let alone tried and convicted for it — as a justified vigilante.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 13 Dec. 2024
  • For others, Mangione is an expression of the depth of righteous anger present in American life right now, a symbol of justified violence.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Like so many other stars on the main roster, ranging from Cody Rhodes to Kevin Owens, The Bloodline has consistently targeted them in a way that makes their quest for revenge quite the logical one.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
  • To prevent yourself from imposing irrational penalties, set up house rules that outline logical consequences in advance.
    Leslie Garisto Pfaff, Parents, 12 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near just

Cite this Entry

“Just.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/just. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

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