justification

noun

jus·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌjə-stə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce justification (audio)
Synonyms of justificationnext
1
a
: the act or an instance of justifying something : vindication
arguments offered in justification of their choice
b
: an acceptable reason for doing something : something that justifies an act or way of behaving
could provide no justification for his decision
2
: the act, process, or state of being justified by God (see justify sense 2a)
3
: the process or result of justifying lines of text (see justify sense 3a)
software that provides automatic justification of text

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of justification in a Sentence

He tried to present a justification for his behavior. There is no possible justification for what she did. His behavior is without justification.
Recent Examples on the Web This is dangerous and irresponsible in an election period, and there is no justification for why ads containing election disinformation are rejected in the U.S. but accepted in India. —Billy Perrigo, TIME, 2 Apr. 2024 If this was a project where public money was going into it, [there would be] a greater justification for journalists to be skeptical. —Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 27 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for justification 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'justification.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see justify

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of justification was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing justification

Dictionary Entries Near justification

justificans

justification

justificative

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Justification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/justification. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

justification

noun
jus·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌjəs-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce justification (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of justifying or of being justified
2
: something that justifies : defense

Legal Definition

justification

noun
jus·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌjəs-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce justification (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of justifying
2
: something that justifies
specifically : a legally sufficient reason or cause (as self-defense) for an act that would otherwise be criminal or tortious
3
: the affirmative defense of having a legally sufficient justification compare excuse
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