just 1 of 2

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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

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6

just

2 of 2

adjective

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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
In contrast, when Fox sought to sell many of its studio assets to Disney — a horizontal transaction that eliminated competition from the landscape — the transaction sailed through in just six months. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2025 However, when both tested positive for COVID just two days before the trip, his wife encouraged him to go alone since the tickets were non-refundable. John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
Dove Awards were presented to 3 women leaders acknowledged for their local work and commitment to creating a more just society. Gina Grillo, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025 Egypt will always remain committed to its pledge, supporting a just peace, being a loyal partner in achieving it, and defending the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Megan Forrester, ABC News, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for just 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for just
Adverb
  • That’s exactly where Steven Bartlett found himself after stepping away from his company.
    Lien De Pau, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Gauging exactly what such a switch might mean for Birmingham — or even Wrexham, should Parkinson steer his team to a third successive promotion come May — isn’t easy due to how, by their very nature, club accounts are way out of date by the time published at Companies House.
    Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Adverb
  • Ophelia barely registers; Gertrude gets less than two lines.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Lows at Tamarack, Brundage Basin in McCall and in Sun Valley are expected to be close to zero every day, with highs barely hitting 20.
    Vincent Medina, Idaho Statesman, 18 Jan. 2025
Adverb
  • One order would declare that the federal government would recognize only two immutable sexes: male and female.
    Kimberly Nordyke, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Jan. 2025
  • The technology will only be used at the snowboarding events for both men and women.
    Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 21 Jan. 2025
Adverb
  • TikTok shut itself down for U.S. users shortly before midnight, right ahead of the ban’s Sunday start date, effectively preventing Americans from using its mobile app or website.
    Alison Durkee, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Signature Headband If Blair Waldorf is your fashion muse, the Coach Signature Headband is right up your style alley.
    Emily Weaver, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025
Adverb
  • One hour away by train, Piedmont’s culinary mecca—known for its white truffles—is also the capital of one of Italy’s leading wine regions, or simply use Turin as a launchpad for exploring the greater Piedmont region.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2025
  • My original intention was simply to write a novel, to tell the story of a family and an individual's fate, which just happens to touch on this subject [Land Reform].
    John Ruwitch, NPR, 24 Jan. 2025
Adverb
  • One of the company’s top-selling drugs is now facing biosimilar competition, weighing on its stock price growth lately.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Two of their upcoming opponents, the Red Wings and Blues, are benefiting from coaching changes … but their defense is also trending in the wrong direction lately.
    Shayna Goldman, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The first penalty, a roughing the passer on Anderson, Anderson argued, was a straightforward and justified call.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Costly means paying a premium for justified value, while expensive is simply overpriced.
    Lela London, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Adding commuters to our less-congested waterways is a logical step.
    Terri Carta, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Khabib Nurmagomedov does nothing visibly wrong, and is therefore asked to leave the plane for no logical reason.
    Callum Booth, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near just

Cite this Entry

“Just.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/just. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

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