1
as in explaining
to be an acceptable reason for
you seem to think that losing a basketball game justifies a temper tantrum
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2
as in defending
to continue to declare to be true or proper despite opposition or objections
failed to justify the need for a war at this time
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Recent Examples of justifying
Most post-presidency books are about people touting their successes and justifying things deemed mistakes.
—
Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024
In 2002, the Nobel committee finally amended its error, justifying it, in part, because Carter had criticized the Bush Administration’s invasion of Iraq.
—Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 29 Dec. 2024
Its innovative features will enhance exploration of the technologies of two-component nuclear energy, as well as of closed nuclear fuel cycle, while also accelerating and justifying the development of safe fourth-generation nuclear power plants, as per the release.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Dec. 2024
Following Assad’s fall, Israel has expanded its presence beyond the Golan Heights, occupying areas deeper inside Syria and justifying the move by citing security concerns.
—Hamidreza Azizi, Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2024
Prince Andrew, the British King’s brother who stood back from public life following his disastrous TV interview justifying his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, is in the crosshairs of another scandal concerning his friendship with a man accused of being a Chinese spy.
—Caroline Frost, Deadline, 14 Dec. 2024
However, those higher unit costs could be acceptable, provided vehicles continue to become more reliable, longer-lasting, and less crash-prone, justifying higher prices.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2024
Justice Beth Baker authored the majority opinion Wednesday, justifying her decision on the basis that the Montana constitution provides robust rights to privacy in medical decision-making.
—Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Dec. 2024
The spiral notebook also includes to-do lists of tasks to be completed in the lead up to the slay, as well as musings justifying his plans, CNN reported.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 11 Dec. 2024
Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024
In 2002, the Nobel committee finally amended its error, justifying it, in part, because Carter had criticized the Bush Administration’s invasion of Iraq.
—Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 29 Dec. 2024
Its innovative features will enhance exploration of the technologies of two-component nuclear energy, as well as of closed nuclear fuel cycle, while also accelerating and justifying the development of safe fourth-generation nuclear power plants, as per the release.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Dec. 2024
Following Assad’s fall, Israel has expanded its presence beyond the Golan Heights, occupying areas deeper inside Syria and justifying the move by citing security concerns.
—Hamidreza Azizi, Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2024
Prince Andrew, the British King’s brother who stood back from public life following his disastrous TV interview justifying his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, is in the crosshairs of another scandal concerning his friendship with a man accused of being a Chinese spy.
—Caroline Frost, Deadline, 14 Dec. 2024
However, those higher unit costs could be acceptable, provided vehicles continue to become more reliable, longer-lasting, and less crash-prone, justifying higher prices.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2024
Justice Beth Baker authored the majority opinion Wednesday, justifying her decision on the basis that the Montana constitution provides robust rights to privacy in medical decision-making.
—Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Dec. 2024
The spiral notebook also includes to-do lists of tasks to be completed in the lead up to the slay, as well as musings justifying his plans, CNN reported.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 11 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justifying
Verb
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Now, the YouTuber has broken his silence — in a 21-minute video uploaded to his side channel with 272,000 subscribers that only spends around two minutes explaining his recent absence from the internet.Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 24 Dec. 2024
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The Dolphins still have a 12 percent chance of making the playoffs, but Calais Campbell was in the locker room Sunday explaining how he might be released to sign with a contender once the postseason elimination becomes official.Josh Kendall, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Police outside the building are focused on defending one of the West front's main entrances, now known as the tunnel.Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2025
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The Generals are a definite City Section Open Division title contender aided by three transfers from defending champion King/Drew.Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Institutions can minimize their exposure to populist ire while maintaining credibility by narrowing their focus to core functions and avoiding controversial areas.Allison Carnegie, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2024
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The West can impose those costs by maintaining some sanctions and export controls as measures in place for the long term—or until Russia fully withdraws from Ukraine.Samuel Charap, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Opponents of the law say the lower court gave too much deference to the federal government’s national security concerns and not enough consideration of freedom of expression when upholding the law.Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
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Our goal is to continue expanding thoughtfully into new markets while upholding the high standards that have brought us to this point.Caroline Tell, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near justifying
Cite this Entry
“Justifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justifying. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
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