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

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

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.

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 by …

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

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 justify his rudeness. …

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.

Jan 20, 2026 · justify (third-person singular simple present justifies, present participle justifying, simple past and past participle justified) (transitive) To provide an acceptable explanation for.

To prove or show to be just or conformable to reason, justice, duty, law, or propriety; vindicate; warrant; uphold. To declare innocent or blameless; absolve; acquit; specifically, to free from the guilt or …

Justify definition: To demonstrate or prove to be just, right, or valid.