justifiable

1 of 2

adjective

jus·​ti·​fi·​able ˈjə-stə-ˌfī-ə-bəl How to pronounce justifiable (audio)
Synonyms of justifiablenext
: capable of being justified : excusable
… justifiable family pride.—Current Biography
justifiability
ˌjə-stə-ˌfī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce justifiable (audio)
noun
justifiably
ˈjə-stə-ˌfī-ə-blē How to pronounce justifiable (audio)
adverb

justifiability

2 of 2

noun

jus·​ti·​fi·​abil·​i·​ty ˌjəstəˌfīəˈbilətē How to pronounce justifiability (audio)
-ətē, 
-i
plural -es
: the quality of being justifiable

Synonyms of justifiable

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of justifiable in a Sentence

Adjective had justifiable reasons for leaving early
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
But if the ironic remove of his comic voice was part of what allowed Macdonald to speak so many uncomfortable truths, Apatow creating a remove of his own is justifiable. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026 The most justifiable criticism against the DC detective series is that its mysteries play out wordily, without letting the audience in on how its space cops come to major conclusions. — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026 Appalled by the failure to answer many questions, Democrats responded with what was often, though not always, justifiable outrage. — David Wippman, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026 When Jewish exclusion and hateful words are used, there is justifiable fear that someone will hear it as a call to do much worse. — Scott Levin, Denver Post, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for justifiable

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1561, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of justifiable was in 1561

Rhymes for justifiable

See All Rhymes for justifiable

Browse Nearby Words

justifiability
justifiable
justifiableness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Justifiable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/justifiable. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Legal Definition

justifiable

adjective
jus·​ti·​fi·​able ˌjəs-tə-ˈfī-ə-bəl How to pronounce justifiable (audio)
: capable of being justified
justifiable reliance
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