justify implies showing to be true, just, or valid by appeal to a standard or to precedent.

JUSTIFY definition: 1. to give or to be a good reason for: 2. If you justify yourself, you give a good reason for what…. Learn more.

Justify definition: to show (an act, claim, statement, etc.) to be just or right.. See examples of JUSTIFY used in a sentence.

Definition of justify verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

To justify a decision, action, or idea means to show or prove that it is reasonable or necessary. No argument can justify a war. [VERB noun] Ministers agreed that this decision was fully justified …

Nov 28, 2025 · justify (third-person singular simple present justifies, present participle justifying, simple past and past participle justified) (transitive) To provide an acceptable explanation for. …

to show (an act, claim, statement, etc.) to be just or right: The end does not always justify the means. to defend or uphold as warranted or well-grounded: Don't try to justify his rudeness.

To justify is to make excuses for one's actions, like the dieter who has to justify the few tiny pieces of chocolate she's sneaked in between salads.

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, …

1. to show or prove to be just, right, or reasonable: The pleasure we get from these paintings justifies their high cost. 2. to defend or uphold as warranted or well-grounded: Don't try to …