 justify |
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| 1. | [ verb ] show to be reasonable or provide adequate ground for | |
| Synonyms: | warrant | |
| Examples: | "The emergency does not warrant all of us buying guns" "The end justifies the means" |
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| Related terms: | confirm justification | |
| 2. | [ verb ] show to be right by providing justification or proof | |
| Synonyms: | vindicate | |
| Examples: | "vindicate a claim" |
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| Related terms: | uphold excuse legitimate justification defense apologist | |
| 3. | [ verb ] defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning | |
| Synonyms: | rationalize excuse apologise rationalise apologize | |
| Examples: | "rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior" "he rationalized his lack of success" |
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| Related terms: | defend plead extenuate color justification apology rationalization apologist apology justification | |
| 4. | [ verb ] let off the hook | |
| Synonyms: | free absolve | |
| Examples: | "I absolve you from this responsibility" |
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| Related terms: | blame forgive excuse wash_one's_hands justification | |
| 5. | [ verb ] (printing) adjust the spaces between words; in printing | |
| Examples: | "justify the margins" |
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| Related terms: | adjust printing | |
| Similar spelling: |
justifier justified |
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