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)

Here he drew up his forces, ready to cross the Rubicon of the slave-power whenever justificatory cause arose.

From Charles Sumner Centenary The American Negro Academy. Occasional Papers No. 14 by Grimké, Archibald Henry

He himself published in London in 1803 five octavo volumes of Memoirs, justificatory of his proceedings in that contest.

From Toronto of Old by Scadding, Henry