WordWeb Online

1. Show to be reasonable or provide adequate ground for
   "The end justifies the means";
   - warrant
    
2. Show to be right by providing justification or proof
   "justify a claim";
   - vindicate
    
3. Defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
   "justify the child's seemingly crazy behaviour";
   - apologize, apologise [Brit], excuse, rationalize, rationalise [Brit]
    
4. Let off the hook
   - absolve, free
    
5. (printing) adjust the spaces between words
   "justify the margins"

Derived forms: justified, justifying, justifies

Type of: adjust, confirm, correct, defend, fend for, forgive, maintain, pardon, reassert, set, support, uphold

Encyclopedia: Justify