If you describe a decision, action, or idea as justified, you think it is reasonable and acceptable.
In my opinion, the decision was wholly justified.
Synonyms: acceptable, reasonable, understandable, justifiable More Synonyms of justified
2. adjective
If you think that someone is justified in doing something, you think that their reasons for doing it are good and valid.
He's absolutely justified in resigning. He was treated shamefully. [+ in]
justified in British English
(ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪd)
adjective
1.
reasonable and acceptable
In my opinion, the decision was wholly justified.
2.
having good and valid reasons
He was quite justified in refusing.
He's absolutely justified in resigning. He was treated shamefully.
Examples of 'justified' in a sentence
justified
Justified criticisms of facilities in the general enclosure have also been heeded.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
But that was not a justified criticism.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
But that should not inhibit the justified criticism of the British energy giant.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
More and more Americans will feel entirely justified and respectable saying no to the church.
Christianity Today (2000)
On the face of it, the decree seemed reasonable and justified.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Was his brazen disregard for my mother's feelings due to the fact that he felt justified because she had committed the original sin?
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
A public body may take action only if Justified by law.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
But sometimes the criticisms aren't Justified.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The critique is fully Justified.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It is fully justified, though, in this equally fine study of tulips.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
But that is worthless unless the public can judge whether an officer's explanation of his behaviour is plausible and his actions are justified and lawful.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
These are wholly Justified, and should be policed and intensified.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
You're feeling a justified optimism about both plans and relationships in which you've invested a lot of time and effort.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Those who condemn others do so because they're unsure of their views - they criticise others to feel justified and more powerful.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
In other languages
justified
British English: justified ADJECTIVE
If you describe a decision, action, or idea as justified, you think it is reasonable and acceptable.
In my opinion, the decision was wholly justified.
American English: justified
Brazilian Portuguese: justificada
Chinese: 合理的
European Spanish: justificado
French: justifié
German: berechtigt
Italian: giustificato
Japanese: もっともな
Korean: 타당한
European Portuguese: justificada
Latin American Spanish: justificado
(adjective)
In my opinion, the decision was wholly justified.
Synonyms
acceptable
reasonable
a perfectly reasonable decision
understandable
His unhappiness was understandable.
justifiable
the strong and justifiable desire for independence
natural
A period of depression is a natural response to bereavement.
normal
legitimate
That's a perfectly legitimate fear.
logical
There was a logical explanation.
to be expected
Additional synonyms
in the sense of justifiable
Definition
having a good cause or reason
the strong and justifiable desire for independence
Synonyms
reasonable,
right,
sound,
fit,
acceptable,
sensible,
proper,
valid,
legitimate,
understandable,
lawful,
well-founded,
defensible,
tenable,
excusable,
warrantable,
vindicable
in the sense of legitimate
Definition
based on correct or acceptable principles of reasoning
That's a perfectly legitimate fear.
Synonyms
reasonable,
just,
correct,
sensible,
valid,
warranted,
logical,
justifiable,
well-founded,
admissible
in the sense of logical
Definition
reasonable because of facts or events
There was a logical explanation.
Synonyms
reasonable,
obvious,
sensible,
most likely,
natural,
necessary,
wise,
plausible,
judicious
Synonyms of 'justified'
justified
Explore 'justified' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of natural
Definition
as is normal or to be expected
A period of depression is a natural response to bereavement.