JUSTIFIABLE Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

justifiable

adjective

ˈjə-stə-ˌfī-ə-bəl

Definition of justifiable

as in legitimate

capable of being defended with good reasoning against verbal attack had justifiable reasons for leaving early

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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 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 Police are investigating the incident as a justifiable homicide, according to the release. — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026 Detectives were investigating the incident as a justifiable homicide, police said. — City News Service, Daily News, 28 June 2026 And maybe, Alice wonders, this killer is killing for a justifiable reason. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for justifiable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for justifiable

Adjective

Perhaps his greatest legacy at UCF is Dean was coaching in 1991 when UCF finally moved out of its tiny dank gymnasium and into its first legitimate basketball arena — a sparkling, by UCF standards, 5,100-seat facility.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Although some agencies said the officers’ Flock searches appeared to be connected to legitimate narcotics investigations or training exercises, many took swift disciplinary action.

— Kenny Jacoby, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of legitimate

Adjective

Shankara advises that worshipping gods with names and stories through devotional rituals and sacred images (murtis) is an acceptable step for some people on the path toward a more philosophical understanding of an all-pervasive ultimate reality.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Lombard has seven errors in his first 20 games and, after his latest miscue, the 21-year-old said his defense was not acceptable.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 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

Shared policies, standardized charging and new public chargers aim to make long-haul electric trucking viable by 2030.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Legacy farming practices depend on predictable weather patterns, but today’s extreme weather requires effective, real-time interventions to keep farms economically viable and ecologically sustainable.

— Jonathan Destler, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of viable

Adjective

Taxpayers may qualify for relief due to a good compliance history, reasonable cause, or a statutory exception.

— Jamela Adam, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
He’s also pushed to make sure The Gilded Age returned with new seasons as soon as was reasonable (those fancy parties and elaborate sets take time) and is looking to return Game of Thrones spinoff A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms on an annual basis.

— Josef Adalian, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of reasonable

Adjective

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
Why These Habits Actually Stick What makes these rules actually maintainable is their quick, flexible, and immediately impactful nature.

— Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 2 June 2026

Definition of maintainable

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justifiability

justifiable

justifiably

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“Justifiable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/justifiable. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of justifiable

adjective

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