justify

verb
UK: /ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪ/
US: /ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪ/

  1. To show or prove that something is right or reasonable.

    1. I can justify my actions because I did what was best. [ ] [ ]
    2. The company must justify the increase in prices to its customers. [ ] [ ]

  2. To provide a good reason or excuse for something.

    1. Nothing can justify hurting other people on purpose. [ ] [ ]
    2. You can't justify lying, even if you think it will help someone. [ ] [ ]

  3. To arrange text so that it has even margins.

    1. Please justify the text in this document for a cleaner look. [ ] [ ]
    2. The software can automatically justify the alignment of the paragraph. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

rationalize support defend vindicate excuse
justify transitive-verb

  1. To show or prove to be right or reasonable.

    1. I had to justify why I was late to class today. [ ] [ ]
    2. Can you justify your decision to spend all the money? [ ] [ ]
justify intransitive-verb

  1. To offer or provide a defense or excuse for.

    1. He tried to justify his rude behavior, but failed. [ ] [ ]
    2. She struggled to justify her absence from the important meeting. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "justify" in English means: To show or prove that something is right or reasonable., To provide a good reason or excuse for something., To arrange text so that it has even margins..

The phonetic transcription of "justify" is /ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪ/ in British English and /ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪ/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "justify": rationalize, support, defend, vindicate, excuse.

Example usage of "justify": "I can justify my actions because I did what was best. ". More examples on the page.