justifiable

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

Synonyms of justifiable

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Examples of justifiable in a Sentence

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.
The tax revolt was a successful attempt by a small group of ideologues to capitalize on people’s justifiable anger at the cost-of-living crisis that followed the war in Vietnam, along with California’s runaway home prices. — Maggie McGowan, The New York Review of Books, 5 Sep. 2026 The valuation of Fernandez is entirely justifiable within the context of the huge fees paid by several Premier League clubs, and specifically City, for high-level central midfielders this summer. — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for justifiable

Word History

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of justifiable was in 1561

Rhymes for justifiable

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Browse Nearby Words

justifiability
justifiable
justifiableness
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Cite this Entry

“Justifiable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/justifiable. Accessed 7 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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