Justify: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone needs to explain or provide reasons for their actions or decisions, often to show they were reasonable or necessary.

• She had to justify her decision to leave the company.
• He couldn't justify spending so much money on a car.

Used when clearing someone of blame, suspicion or doubt by providing justification or proof. This word often carries a sense of righting a wrong.

• The new evidence helped to vindicate the wrongly accused man.
• She felt vindicated after the investigation cleared her of any wrongdoing.

Used when confirming the accuracy or truth of something, often in technical, academic, or official contexts.

• The findings need to be validated by further experiments.
• She sought validation for her innovative approach.

Applied when providing evidence or proof to support a claim or argument, often in formal or academic contexts.

• The scientist needed to substantiate her theory with experimental data.
• Can you substantiate your allegations with concrete facts?

Used to indicate backing up someone or something, offering help or evidence. This word can apply in various situations from emotional support to providing evidence.

• He supported his argument with data from the research.
• She supported her friend during tough times.

To show or prove that an action or decision is right or reasonable, often used in discussions, debates, or formal analyses.

• She tried to justify her absence by giving a detailed explanation
• We need to justify the expenses for the new project

To justify or necessitate a certain course of action; often used to indicate that something is necessary or appropriate, sometimes with a formal or urgent tone.

• The current situation may warrant emergency measures
• His behavior warrants a closer look by the authorities

To be deserving of a reward, praise, or consideration, typically used when talking about achievements, qualities, or aspects that are valuable.

• His dedication to the project merits recognition
• The proposal has enough merit to be considered seriously

To confirm or support the truth or value of something, often used in scientific, administrative, or emotional contexts.

• We need to validate these results before publishing the report
• Her feelings were validated when her friends expressed similar experiences

This word can also mean to align text in a document so that it fits neatly against both the left and right margins. It is primarily used in typography and word processing.

• Justify the text in the document to make it look professional.
• The paragraph was fully justified, making it easier to read.

This word is used when talking about positioning objects, ideas, or strategies in a straight line or in agreement. It's often used in both physical and abstract contexts.

• Make sure all the text boxes are aligned properly.
• Their strategies are aligned with the company's goals.

This word is used when describing something that is flat, balanced, or without irregularities. It can refer to both physical objects and numerical values.

• She swept the floor to make it even.
• They divided the profits in an even manner.

This word is often used when explaining or justifying actions or decisions with logical reasoning, especially in contexts where the actual reasons might be less logical. It can sometimes have a negative connotation, implying self-deception or making excuses.

• He tried to rationalize his unnecessary purchases.
• She felt the need to rationalize why she was late.

This word is used when tidying up or making something look clean and orderly. It's commonly used in informal or everyday situations.

• She decided to neaten her room before guests arrived.
• He spent the afternoon neatening his workspace.