justificatory

American  

[juh-stif-i-kuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, juhs-tuh-fi-key-tuh-ree] / dʒʌˈstɪf ɪ kəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i, ˈdʒʌs tə fɪˌkeɪ tə ri /

Also justificative

adjective

1. serving to justify; providing justification.

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justificatory British  

/ ˈdʒʌstɪfɪˌkeɪtərɪ, -trɪ, ˈdʒʌstɪfɪˌkeɪtɪv /

adjective

1. serving as justification or capable of justifying; vindicatory

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Etymology

Origin of justificatory

1570–80; < Late Latin justificā ( re ) to justify + -tory ¹

Example Sentences

Clinging onto the property/person distinction or hiding behind the justificatory force of welfare laws, and doing nothing more than re-asserting speciesism and human exceptionalism, are just not very convincing in this day and age.

From Slate • Jun. 17, 2022

They must thus cover them with dollops of justificatory pride, to lever some notional dollop of happiness.

From The Guardian • Jul. 24, 2012

Mr. Foote: And Lord Ellenborough allowed Mr. Hone to read what he considered justificatory of his own publication.

From Prisoner for Blasphemy by Foote, G. W. (George William)

The book is at once the plea justificatory of progress, conceived as fatal and irresistible, and an enthusiastic hymn to the triumph of humanity.

From Amiel's Journal by Ward, Humphry, Mrs.

The threatened directors sent a justificatory message to the councils, and proposed peace.

From History of the French Revolution from 1789 to 1814 by Mignet, M. (François-Auguste-Marie-Alexis)