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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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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for justifiable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for justifiable

Adjective

If benefits shrink or get taxed more aggressively down the road (which is a legitimate concern) having a tax-free income source gives you flexibility a pre-tax account simply can’t.

— Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
Blake Grupe has kicked for two NFL teams, but never for a legitimate contender.

— Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of legitimate

Adjective

Voters who do not have an acceptable photo ID may be able to cast a ballot using an alternative document and, in some cases, sign a Reasonable Impediment Declaration.

— S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
The other, which boards discuss privately far more than publicly, is what the regulator will permit and what’s politically acceptable in each market.

— Ciaran Cosgrave, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of acceptable

Adjective

Publish a useful, supportable answer, then listen for whether the next conversations change.

— Dennis Kirwan, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 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

As a result, off-grid megawatt charging offers a viable blueprint for cleaner heavy industry.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026
Singapore strategy Still, Wong argued that competing on price alone was not a viable strategy for Singapore, which must instead differentiate itself through its capabilities, stability and predictability.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of viable

Adjective

Sometimes our rational understanding of life and death bumps into a seemingly impossible presence.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Americans cast English severity as evidence of an old, corrupt political order and imagined their own laws as rational, proportionate and suited to free citizens.

— Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of rational

Adjective

For properties other than single-family homes and duplexes, the statute addresses reasonable provisions for clean and safe common areas along with services such as garbage removal and extermination of certain pests.

— Emma Clapp, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
These are reasonable explanations for a temporary change, Desai says.

— Angela Haupt, Time, 16 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

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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 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of justifiable

adjective

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