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
Alison Herman, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
Not all homicides are murders, such as justified killings and negligent deaths.
—Wendi C. Thomas, ProPublica, 15 Apr. 2026
Marc Ballon, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
But the federal monitor in place since that ruling has repeatedly said that even when officers conduct a legally justified stop, the subsequent frisk or more invasive search is too often not justified.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Adjective
There are no great discoveries here, á la Young Mazino in Season 1 — just professionals demonstrating why their success is so justified.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
Not all homicides are murders, such as justified killings and negligent deaths.
—Wendi C. Thomas, ProPublica, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
The Stones fired Jones in June 1969 but would have been justified doing so a couple years earlier.
—Marc Ballon, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
But the federal monitor in place since that ruling has repeatedly said that even when officers conduct a legally justified stop, the subsequent frisk or more invasive search is too often not justified.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for justified
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justified
Adjective
-
With a reasonable chance that both sides win all their remaining games, the size of each victory matters.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Although executors may be paid reasonable compensation—often up to 5% of the estate’s value—you aren’t required to accept the role.—
Nancy Ashburn,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
No doubt that the trophy handed over by EFL chairman Rick Parry was well deserved.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Anything less will keep the door wide open for the Pohlad family to be a lightning rod for criticism that is very much deserved.—
Dane Mizutani,
Twin Cities,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Over the course of 25 minutes Breslow and Kennedy explained their decision to fire one of the most accomplished managers in franchise history after just 27 games this season and elevate Triple-A manager Chad Tracy to the big league role on an interim basis.—
Mac Cerullo,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Studley explained the biological process responsible for the lobster’s two-toned appearance.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Both Hezbollah and Israel have have defended their attacks and claimed that the other has violated the ceasefire.—
Sarah Dean,
NBC news,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Nikola Jokic is having the worst playoff series of his career, shooting 12 for 32 and 4 for 14 from 3-point range when defended by Gobert, per ESPN.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 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
-
No staff member is obligated to participate, nor are staff excused from normal duty for the purposes of their own participation.—
Megan De Mar,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
-
More than 80 people have already requested to be excused from the case, according to the Associated Press, with no jurors picked on the first day of proceedings.—
Amethyst Martinez,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Chatty maintained that the city should prioritize internal audits over new taxes.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
-
Well defined and placed, they are well maintained.—
Stephen Hudak,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Berman and Kessler argue this is a logical and organic pivot for MMRs.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
28 Apr. 2026
-
However, a resignation or even a leave of absence now looks like a logical outcome.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Justified.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justified. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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