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

During Thursday’s news conference, Dustman called the shooting justified because Pike had a weapon. —Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2025

However, some details can help determine or justify the price of a set. —Henri Robbins, WIRED, 24 Mar. 2025

Disney spent above $250 million on the tentpole before marketing expenses, so the family film needs to stick around in global cinemas to justify its price tag. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 23 Mar. 2025

Many are wondering how this happened and how it can possibly be justified. —Paul Tassi, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025