Synonyms of justify

justify

verb

ˈjə-stə-ˌfī 

1

as in to explain

to be an acceptable reason for

you seem to think that losing a basketball game justifies a temper tantrum

Synonyms & Similar Words

• explain
• excuse
• ignore
• rationalize
• account (for)
• alibi
• condone
• forgive
• explain away
• disregard
• brush (aside or off)
• pass over
• pardon
• gloss (over)
• wink (at)
• shrug off
• remit
• gloze (over)

2

as in to defend

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

• defend
• maintain
• uphold
• support
• advocate
• assert
• affirm
• proclaim
• confirm
• stand up for
• stick up for
• discuss
• vindicate
• argue
• insist
• plead
• emphasize
• claim
• contend
• warrant
• espouse
• protest
• state
• profess
• aver
• debate
• champion
• underscore
• underline
• avow
• stress
• avouch

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• withdraw
• abandon
• forsake
• retract
• take back
• reverse
• switch
• refute
• disprove
• recant
• rebut
• abjure
• controvert

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb justify differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of justify are assert, defend, maintain, and vindicate. While all these words mean "to uphold as true, right, just, or reasonable," justify implies showing to be true, just, or valid by appeal to a standard or to precedent.

the action was used to justify military intervention

When might assert be a better fit than justify?

The synonyms assert and justify are sometimes interchangeable, but assert suggests determination to make others accept one's claim.

asserted her rights

In what contexts can defend take the place of justify?

The words defend and justify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defend implies maintaining in the face of attack or criticism.

defended his voting record

When would maintain be a good substitute for justify?

While in some cases nearly identical to justify, maintain stresses firmness of conviction.

steadfastly maintained his innocence

When is it sensible to use vindicate instead of justify?

In some situations, the words vindicate and justify are roughly equivalent. However, vindicate implies successfully defending.

his success vindicated our faith in him

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of justify

The Swiss colossus crafted a sophisticated campaign to justify more than double that amount, enlisting a team of respected academics, data-modelers and pricing strategists to help make its case. —Robin Fields, CNN, 17 Feb. 2025

The courts also found that the government had altered documents to support their arguments before the Supreme Court as part of justifying the roundup and imprisonment of Japanese Americans. —James M. Purcell, The Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2025

Sure, the tipsters seem sceptical about his odds, but for bettors interested in a high-return dark horse-esque punt, Wood has all the ingredients to justify a wager. —Julia Ranney, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025

But some analysts have raised concerns over whether their returns justify the higher expenses and other risks. —Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2025