justifiable

[juhs-tuh-fahy-uh-buhl, juhs-tuh-fahy-]

adjective

1. capable of being justified; that can be shown to be or can be defended as being just, right, or warranted; defensible.

   justifiable homicide.

justifiable

/ ˈdʒʌstɪˌfaɪəbəl /

adjective

1. capable of being justified; understandable

Other Word Forms

• justifiability noun
• justifiably adverb
• justifiableness noun
• unjustifiable adjective
• unjustifiableness noun
• unjustifiably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of justifiable¹

From Middle French, dating back to 1515–25; justify, -able

Example Sentences

As people paid tribute to Kirk and shared condolences to his wife and children, many also stressed that regardless of the person's viewpoints political violence is never justifiable.

From BBC

"We get a sense that we give too many handballs for actions that are quite normal and justifiable," refereeing boss Howard Webb said at the time.

From BBC

As with so many political decisions of this era, the impulse was justifiable and the diagnosis was reasonably correct.

From Salon

As Michael Li of the Brennan Center explained, it was a shocking partisan power grab that gained national attention for its chutzpah — but it was at least somewhat justifiable.

From Salon

“It feels justifiable,” said Hall of the conclusion in a 2022 Times interview.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acceptable 
• admissible 
• allowable 
• defensible 
• lawful 
• legitimate 
• logical 
• probable 
• proper 
• reasonable 
• understandable 
• valid