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

This raised questions about political motivations, not legal justification. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

Democrats and even some Republicans in Congress, like Sen. Chuck Grassley, have demanded that the administration provide a rationale, arguing that federal law requires a justification. —Aaron Navarro, CBS News, 12 Feb. 2025

No, there’s not a national security justification for steel tariffs. —The Editors, National Review, 11 Feb. 2025

The Trump White House has pointed to that ruling as justification for some of its firings. —Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 7 Feb. 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

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