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English verb: justify

1. justify (communication) show to be reasonable or provide adequate ground for


SamplesThe emergency does not warrant all of us buying guns.
The end justifies the means.


Synonymswarrant


Pattern of useSomething ----s something


Broader (hypernym)confirm, reassert

2. justify (communication) show to be right by providing justification or proof


SamplesVindicate a claim.


Synonymsvindicate


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)maintain, uphold


Narrower (hyponym)excuse, explain, legitimate

3. justify (communication) defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning


SamplesRationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior.
He rationalized his lack of success.


Synonymsapologise, apologize, excuse, rationalise, rationalize


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)defend, fend for, support


Narrower (hyponym)color, colour, extenuate, gloss, mitigate, palliate, plead

4. justify (communication) let off the hook


SamplesI absolve you from this responsibility.


Synonymsabsolve, free


Pattern of useSomebody ----s somebody of something


Broader (hypernym)forgive


Narrower (hyponym)excuse, exempt, let off, relieve, wash one's hands


Antonymsblame, fault

5. justify (change) adjust the spaces between words


SamplesJustify the margins.


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)adjust, correct, set


Domain categoryprinting









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
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