1
as in reasonable
based on sound reasoning or information
in a well-justified ruling the court voted unanimously to overturn the law
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in deserved
being what is called for by accepted standards of right and wrong
the use of force to capture the armed fugitive was fully justified
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in explained
to be an acceptable reason for
you seem to think that losing a basketball game justifies a temper tantrum
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in defended
to continue to declare to be true or proper despite opposition or objections
failed to justify the need for a war at this time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of justified
Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 5 Mar. 2026
An attack on Iran was both justified and necessary.
—Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 26 Mar. 2026
The shootings of Steven Jones and Walker remain under investigation by Prescott, who will determine if the officers’ actions were justified under Connecticut law.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Adjective
Once an investigation is complete, findings are typically forwarded to a district attorney, who determines whether the officer’s actions meet Oklahoma’s legal standard for justified use of deadly force.
—Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 5 Mar. 2026
An attack on Iran was both justified and necessary.
—Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
The result also justified the initial outlay.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 26 Mar. 2026
The shootings of Steven Jones and Walker remain under investigation by Prescott, who will determine if the officers’ actions were justified under Connecticut law.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justified
Adjective
-
The Marlins under this owner have no reasonable way out of this rut of building on the cheap toward a future that never gets here.—
Greg Cote
Updated March 27,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Claims against the bank of negligent failure to prevent physical harm and reasonable care as a banking institution, and aiding and abetting trafficking violations in the initial complaint, were dismissed by Rakoff in mid-February.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
That is definitely well deserved.—
Langston Wertz Jr,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Every award was absolutely deserved.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Many joked that the clip explained years of mysterious toy discoveries beneath their own furniture.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Hollis, Queens, resident Patricia Khan first met McLogan in 2024 and explained her predicament at the time.—
Elle McLogan,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
White, the neonatologist who stopped enrolling patients in the study, defended the decision to conduct it.—
David Hilzenrath,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
-
George Piedra, the attorney representing the property owner, defended the relocation package.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
-
This is a time for cool, calm and reasoned debate, and for legislators to think through the consequences of legislation put forth.—
Bobby Zirkin,
Baltimore Sun,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Metro Phoenix has the fourth-worst ozone levels in the country, but the federal government has excused the region from meeting stricter air quality standards, saying much of the pollution is beyond the state’s control.—
Sarah Henry,
AZCentral.com,
25 Mar. 2026
-
For example, Jewish women are excused from requirements such as fasting on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year, in order to prevent any potential harm to themselves or their fetus.—
Cara Berg Raunick,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Iran, meanwhile, has maintained control over the Strait of Hormuz, raising energy prices globally.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
-
San Diego State stormed back in the second, but KU maintained a 45-43 lead at halftime.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
This means a single physical qubit can contribute to multiple logical qubits, significantly improving overall efficiency and reducing hardware demands.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Apr. 2026
-
If that scenario sounds familiar, a greenhouse might be your next logical move.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Justified.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justified. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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