justifiable

adjective

ˈjə-stə-ˌfī-ə-bəl How to pronounce justifiable (audio)
Definition of justifiablenext
as in legitimate
capable of being defended with good reasoning against verbal attack had justifiable reasons for leaving early

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of justifiable Having lost its attempt to invalidate the FCC’s process for issuing financial penalties, Verizon now wants another chance to argue that the fine itself wasn’t legally justifiable. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 17 Aug. 2026 Voters don’t vote for a whole host of reasons — none of them justifiable, in our opinion. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026 There may be justifiable reasons for those teams to avoid the Red Raiders, including some residual frustration and anger over the handling of the Brandon Sorsby situation. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026 The Fort Worth Independence Day shooting that killed one near Lake Arlington is being investigated as a justifiable homicide, according to a police report. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for justifiable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for justifiable
  1. legitimate
  2. acceptable
  3. supportable
  4. defendable
  5. viable
  6. rational
  7. reasonable
  8. maintainable
Adjective
  • In a defining game that many thought would expose problems masked by UCLA’s early-season success, the Bruins — though imperfect — vociferously announced their arrival to the college football world as legitimate playoff contenders.
    — Elias Esquivel, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Enríquez argued that lasting economic recovery would be difficult without a legitimate government and that credible elections would help establish confidence among international investors.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of legitimate
Adjective
  • PhRMA says the voluntary agreements are acceptable, but the mandatory GLOBE program is not.
    — Ed Silverman, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Juszczyk won his appeal Wednesday as the NFL moved to clarify what is and isn’t acceptable in player celebrations.
    — Rick Maese, Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of acceptable
Adjective
  • The output has to be supportable, reviewable and grounded in information that can actually survive scrutiny later.
    — Arun Ramakrishnan, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
  • Claims about artificial intelligence must be technically accurate, operationally supportable, and consistent with the company’s financial results.
    — Perrie M. Weiner, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
Definition of supportable
Adjective
  • For months the university has been briefing journalists that its appointment system is rigorous and defendable, and that the campaign was targeted against a Black academic because of his race.
    — Rupert Neate, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Even if maritime regulators demanded shippers purchase more defendable vessels, the crews aboard are unready for the challenge.
    — Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of defendable
Adjective
  • Get a minimum viable product (MVP) out the door, then gather user feedback to improve the next iteration.
    — Tim Lee, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Whether by design or circumstance, Hyperliquid Strategies may have finally cracked the code on how to make DATs viable.
    — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of viable
Adjective
  • Defense can’t be too timid, but there needs to be rational response to an asymmetric downside.
    — Bob Ackerman, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Humans, in contrast, have souls that are additionally capable of rational thought.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of rational
Adjective
  • Does being embraced by the Nashville industry feel like a reasonable goal?
    — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
  • This Dell Pro Tower loadout is on sale for 33% off, bringing it down to a very reasonable $800.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of reasonable
Adjective
  • The design also divides the plant into maintainable sectors, allowing equipment to be accessed and serviced over its operating life.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026
  • But working and maintainable are not the same thing, which is where companies start making very expensive mistakes.
    — Oleg Lola, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of maintainable

Browse Nearby Words

justifiability
justifiable
justifiably
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Cite this Entry

“Justifiable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justifiable. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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