justify
verb (used with object)
to show (an act, claim, statement, etc.) to be just or right.
had justified
-
past perfectof justify.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But the government had justified its ban, implemented last week, in the name of tackling fake news, hate speech and online fraud.
From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2025
The state had justified removing her in part because of her previous employment at a state mental hospital.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 11, 2022
Recalling his feelings at the time, he said he had justified Apu to himself by noting that many “Simpsons” characters were based on stereotypes.
From New York Times ● Feb. 25, 2020
After Maryland beat the Golden Eagles in Orlando, Turgeon was asked if the Terps had justified the number in front of their name.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 6, 2019
He had adopted his course of silence because it was the only one open to him at the moment, but the event had justified his choice.
From The Long Lane's Turning by Hallie Erminie Rives
