justification

noun

jus·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌjə-stə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: the act or an instance of justifying something : vindication

arguments offered in justification of their choice

b

: an acceptable reason for doing something : something that justifies an act or way of behaving

could provide no justification for his decision

2

: the act, process, or state of being justified by God (see justify sense 2a)

3

: the process or result of justifying lines of text (see justify sense 3a)

software that provides automatic justification of text

Synonyms

• alibi
• apology
• defense
• excuse
• plea
• reason

Examples of justification in a Sentence

He tried to present a justification for his behavior.

There is no possible justification for what she did.

His behavior is without justification.

Recent Examples on the Web

Is there any justification for Morgan Wallen having 37 tracks on his new album? —Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 3 Apr. 2025

In today’s newsletter, our immigration reporter Jonathan Blitzer investigates these deportations—and the questionable justification behind them. —Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2025

Lawyers have challenged the men’s deportation and a federal judge in Washington has ordered the Justice Department to explain its legal justification for sending them there. —Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025

Ambient cabin lighting, an eight-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate, a sunroof, remote start, and a bunch of other niceties are the justifications for the higher price tag of the hybrid model. —New Atlas, 22 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see justify

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing justification

• in justification of
• self-justification
• with some justification

Rhymes for justification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

justification

noun

jus·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌjəs-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or an instance of justifying or of being justified

2

: something that justifies : defense

Legal Definition

justification

noun

jus·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌjəs-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or an instance of justifying

2

: something that justifies

specifically : a legally sufficient reason or cause (as self-defense) for an act that would otherwise be criminal or tortious

3

: the affirmative defense of having a legally sufficient justification compare excuse