justifiable

[juhs-tuh-fahy-uh-buh l, juhs-tuh-fahy-]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR justifiable ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

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

Origin of justifiable

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

Related formsjus·ti·fi·a·bil·i·ty, jus·ti·fi·a·ble·ness, nounjus·ti·fi·a·bly, adverbun·jus·ti·fi·a·ble, adjectiveun·jus·ti·fi·a·ble·ness, nounun·jus·ti·fi·a·bly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for justifiably

justly, fairly, exactly, appropriately, accurately, truly, properly, correctly, legally, suitably, befittingly, fitly, lawfully

Examples from the Web for justifiably

Contemporary Examples of justifiably

Yet Page can justifiably point an accusing finger at his peers and predecessors.
Did Led Zeppelin Steal ‘Stairway to Heaven’?
Ted Gioia
May 25, 2014
Condemnation from players and coaches around the NBA was justifiably swift and harsh.
Dear Obama, the Time for Presidential Leadership on Race Is Now
Ron Christie
April 28, 2014
Such a message would be disastrous to the peace process and justifiably push the Palestinians away from the peace table.
Kerry Is Wrong to Pressure E.U. to Ease Up on West Bank Settlements
Aaron Magid
September 11, 2013
Paul and other leading voices were justifiably disappointed with Obama for not submitting this issue to a congressional vote.
Why Obama Should Be Applauded for Consulting Congress on Syria
Aaron Magid
September 9, 2013
And it is justifiably popular; approximately 90,000 tourists flock to Kenya and Tanzania annually to witness the migration.
Walking With Wildebeests: Exploring the Serengeti on Foot
Joanna Eede
July 9, 2013

Historical Examples of justifiably

The question now was, what action could be justifiably taken?
A Tame Surrender, A Story of The Chicago Strike
Charles King
She wished to be justifiably annoyed by them, or him; but there was absolutely no cause.
The Happy End
Joseph Hergesheimer
So far as that goes, one may justifiably answer by asking any one to try.
Twelve Types
G.K. Chesterton
So far as that goes, one may justifiably answer by asking anyone to try.
Varied Types
G. K. Chesterton
This contempt for English newspapers will be justifiably resented.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 159, September 8th, 1920
Various

British Dictionary definitions for justifiably

justifiable

adjective

capable of being justified; understandable

Derived Formsjustifiability or justifiableness, nounjustifiably, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for justifiably

justifiable

adj.

1520s, from Old French justifiable, from justifiier (see justify). Earlier in same sense was justificable (mid-15c.). Related: Justifiably (mid-15c.).