Top 56 Slang For Justify – Meaning & Usage

Justify is a term that’s been making the rounds in various circles, but what does it really mean? If you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head trying to decode this slang, look no further. We’ve got you covered with a curated list of the top slang for justify that will have you speaking the language of the cool kids in no time. Stay ahead of the curve and dive into this listicle to brush up on your slang game!

1. Jus

This slang term is used to refer to the act of justifying or providing a reason or explanation for one’s actions or beliefs.

• For example, someone might say, “I don’t need to jus my decisions to anyone.”
• In a discussion about a controversial topic, a person might ask, “Can you jus your stance on this issue?”
• Another might say, “I can’t jus why I did what I did, it just felt right at the time.”

2. Vindicate

This term is used to describe the act of proving that one is right or justifying one’s actions or beliefs.

• For instance, someone might say, “I was vindicated when the evidence proved my innocence.”
• In a discussion about a controversial decision, a person might argue, “The results of the project vindicate our approach.”
• Another might say, “His success in the competition vindicated his years of hard work.”

3. Excuse

This slang term is used to refer to the act of providing a reason or explanation for one’s actions, often to avoid blame or criticism.

• For example, someone might say, “I can’t excuse his behavior, it was completely unacceptable.”
• In a discussion about a missed deadline, a person might say, “I have no excuse for my tardiness.”
• Another might say, “She always comes up with excuses for not doing her share of the work.”

4. Validate

This term is used to describe the act of confirming or justifying something, often to provide support or legitimacy.

• For instance, someone might say, “The data validates our hypothesis.”
• In a discussion about a controversial statement, a person might argue, “The expert’s opinion validates my point of view.”
• Another might say, “Winning the competition validated all the hard work I put into training.”

5. Rationalize

This slang term is used to describe the act of creating a logical explanation or justification for one’s actions or beliefs, often to avoid guilt or criticism.

• For example, someone might say, “I tried to rationalize my decision, but deep down, I knew it was wrong.”
• In a discussion about a questionable purchase, a person might say, “I rationalized buying it because I thought I deserved a treat.”
• Another might say, “He always tries to rationalize his laziness instead of taking responsibility.”

6. Defend

To support or argue in favor of something or someone, especially when they are being criticized or attacked.

• For example, if someone accuses a friend of lying, you might say, “I’ll defend them because I know they’re honest.”
• In a debate, a person might defend their position by presenting evidence and logical arguments.
• A sports fan might defend their favorite team by explaining their recent successes.

7. Support

To provide assistance, encouragement, or backing to someone or something.

• For instance, a friend might support you by attending your performance or event.
• In a political context, a person might support a candidate by donating money or volunteering for their campaign.
• A teacher might support a student by offering extra help or resources.

8. Back up

To support or defend someone, often in a confrontational or challenging situation.

• For example, if a friend is being bullied, you might say, “I’ve got your back. I’ll back you up.”
• In a team setting, a player might back up their teammate by covering their position or providing assistance.
• A person might back up their argument with facts and evidence.

9. Prove

To provide evidence or demonstrate the truth or validity of something.

• For instance, a scientist might conduct experiments to prove a hypothesis.
• In a court of law, the prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
• A person might prove their skills or abilities by successfully completing a challenging task.

10. Warrant

To provide a reason or explanation that makes something acceptable or reasonable.

• For example, if someone questions your decision, you might say, “I don’t need to explain myself. My actions warrant my choices.”
• In a professional setting, a person might warrant a pay raise by demonstrating exceptional performance and value to the company.
• A teacher might warrant giving extra credit to a student who consistently goes above and beyond in their assignments.

11. Legitimize

To legitimize something means to make it appear legitimate or valid. It is often used when trying to justify an action or decision.

• For example, a politician might say, “We need to find a way to legitimize our controversial policy.”
• In a discussion about ethics, someone might argue, “The ends do not justify the means, even if we try to legitimize our actions.”
• A person defending their actions might say, “I had to do what I did to legitimize my position.”

12. Explain away

To explain away means to provide an explanation or justification in order to diminish the significance or negative impact of something.

• For instance, someone might say, “He tried to explain away his absence from the meeting by blaming traffic.”
• In a debate, a person might try to explain away their opponent’s argument by pointing out a minor flaw.
• A parent might try to explain away their child’s misbehavior by blaming it on a lack of sleep.

13. Give reason for

To give reason for means to provide a justification or explanation for something. It is often used when trying to justify an action or decision.

• For example, a student might say, “I can’t come to the party because I have to study. That’s my reason for not going.”
• A person defending their position might say, “Let me give you a reason for why I believe this is the best course of action.”
• In a discussion about a controversial topic, someone might ask, “Can you give me a reason for your stance on this issue?”

14. Make a case for

To make a case for means to present arguments or evidence to support a particular position or viewpoint. It is often used when trying to justify or defend a decision or belief.

• For instance, a lawyer might say, “I will make a strong case for my client’s innocence.”
• In a debate, a person might make a case for a certain policy by presenting facts and statistics.
• A student might make a case for why they deserve a higher grade by explaining their hard work and dedication.

15. Show cause for

To show cause for means to demonstrate a reason or justification for something. It is often used when trying to justify an action or decision.

• For example, a manager might say, “The employee’s poor performance shows cause for termination.”
• In a court case, the prosecution might try to show cause for the defendant’s guilt by presenting evidence.
• A person might show cause for their absence from work by providing a doctor’s note.

16. Argue for

When someone argues for something, they are presenting reasons or evidence to support their position or action.

• For example, “I will argue for the importance of exercise in maintaining good health.”
• In a debate, a person might say, “I will argue for stricter gun control laws.”
• Someone might argue for a particular candidate by stating, “I believe this candidate has the experience and qualifications necessary for the job.”

17. Make excuses for

When someone makes excuses for something, they are offering reasons or explanations to defend or justify their actions, often to avoid blame or criticism.

• For instance, “He always makes excuses for being late.”
• If someone fails to meet a deadline, they might say, “I’m sorry, but I have to make excuses for not finishing the project on time.”
• A person might make excuses for not attending a social event by saying, “I have a lot of work to do, so I can’t make it.”

18. Provide grounds for

When something provides grounds for something else, it offers a basis or justification for that thing.

• For example, “His behavior provides grounds for suspicion.”
• If someone is accused of a crime, their actions might provide grounds for arrest.
• A person might say, “The evidence provided grounds for further investigation.”

19. Justification

Justification refers to the act of showing or proving something to be right or reasonable.

• For instance, “He provided a strong justification for his decision.”
• In a legal context, a lawyer might argue, “There is no justification for the defendant’s actions.”
• A person might seek justification for their beliefs by stating, “I have personal experiences that justify my beliefs.”

20. Alibi

An alibi is an excuse or explanation used to avoid blame or suspicion, particularly in the context of a crime.

• For example, “He had a solid alibi for the night of the murder.”
• In a detective novel, a character might say, “I need to establish my alibi for the time of the crime.”
• Someone might use the phrase, “I have an alibi for my absence from the meeting.”

21. Make good

To “make good” is to provide a valid reason or explanation for something, often in order to justify an action or decision.

• For example, if someone is asked why they are leaving work early, they might say, “I have a doctor’s appointment, so I need to make good on my hours later.”
• In a debate, a person might argue, “The evidence presented makes good on the claim that climate change is a real threat.”
• When discussing a controversial decision, someone might say, “The company needs to make good on their choice to lay off employees by providing assistance and resources.”

22. Confirm

To “confirm” is to establish the truth or validity of something, often by providing evidence or supporting information.

• For instance, if someone is accused of a crime, they might present an alibi to confirm their innocence.
• In a scientific study, researchers might conduct experiments to confirm their hypotheses.
• When discussing a rumor, someone might say, “I can confirm that the celebrity will be attending the event.”

23. Substantiate

To “substantiate” is to provide evidence or proof to support a claim or statement, often in order to justify it.

• For example, a lawyer might need to substantiate their argument with relevant case precedents.
• In a research paper, the author must substantiate their findings with data and sources.
• When discussing a controversial statement, someone might say, “Can you substantiate that claim with any evidence?”

24. Verify

To “verify” is to confirm the truth or accuracy of something, often by checking or investigating.

• For instance, when creating an online account, a user might need to verify their email address.
• In a news article, a journalist should verify the facts before publishing.
• When discussing a suspicious claim, someone might say, “I need to verify the details before I can believe it.”

25. Explain

To “explain” is to provide a reason or justification for something, often by providing additional information or context.

• For example, if someone asks why a project is behind schedule, the team lead might explain the challenges they faced.
• In a classroom, a teacher might explain a concept to help students understand it better.
• When discussing a decision, someone might say, “Let me explain my reasoning behind this choice.”

26. Give reason

To provide an explanation or rationale for something.

• For example, if someone asks why you made a certain decision, you might say, “I can give you a reason for my choice.”
• In a debate, one might challenge an opponent by saying, “Can you give a reason why your argument is valid?”
• A teacher might ask a student, “Can you give a reason why you didn’t complete the assignment on time?”

27. Show cause

To present evidence or arguments that support a particular cause or action.

• For instance, in a court case, lawyers may be required to show cause for their client’s actions.
• In a political debate, a candidate might say, “I can show cause for my proposed policies.”
• A scientist might present a research paper and state, “Our findings show cause for further investigation.”

28. Account for

To provide a reason or explanation for something, often in response to a request or inquiry.

• For example, if someone questions your actions, you might say, “I can account for why I did what I did.”
• In a business meeting, a manager might ask an employee to account for their budget allocation.
• A parent might ask their child to account for their whereabouts during a specific time period.

29. Prove right

To demonstrate or provide evidence that supports the correctness or validity of something.

• For instance, if someone doubts your abilities, you might say, “I’ll prove right that I can do it.”
• In a scientific experiment, researchers aim to prove right their hypothesis.
• A sports team might strive to prove right their coach’s strategies by winning games.

30. Clear

To provide a clear and convincing reason or explanation for something.

• For example, if someone questions your decision, you might say, “Let me clear why I made that choice.”
• In a legal case, a lawyer might argue, “The evidence clears my client of any wrongdoing.”
• A student might ask their teacher, “Can you clear why this answer is correct?”

31. Apologize

To express regret or acknowledge fault for a mistake or wrongdoing. “Apologize” is a more formal term used to convey remorse for one’s actions.

• For example, if someone accidentally spills a drink on someone else, they might say, “I apologize for my clumsiness.”
• If a person realizes they have offended someone, they might apologize by saying, “I’m sorry for my insensitive comment.”
• In a professional setting, a person might apologize for a mistake in an email with a statement like, “I apologize for the error in the report.”

32. Cover up

To hide or disguise something, especially an action or wrongdoing, in order to avoid consequences or negative attention. “Cover up” implies an intentional effort to keep something secret or protect oneself or others.

• For instance, if someone is involved in a scandal, they might try to cover up their involvement by destroying evidence or spreading false information.
• In a political context, a cover-up refers to attempts by officials to hide or downplay damaging information.
• A person might say, “He’s trying to cover up his lies by changing his story.”

33. Make excuses

To provide reasons or explanations for one’s actions or behavior in order to avoid criticism or consequences. “Make excuses” implies a lack of accountability or responsibility.

• For example, if someone is consistently late for work, they might make excuses such as traffic or oversleeping.
• A student who failed to complete an assignment might make excuses like being overwhelmed with other tasks or having technical difficulties.
• In a relationship, if one person repeatedly cancels plans, they might make excuses like feeling sick or having a busy schedule.

34. Make allowances for

To adjust or accommodate one’s expectations or standards in order to allow for certain circumstances or shortcomings. “Make allowances for” suggests a willingness to be understanding or lenient.

• For instance, a teacher might make allowances for a student who is experiencing personal difficulties by granting extensions or offering additional support.
• A manager might make allowances for an employee who is still learning a new task by providing extra guidance and patience.
• In a relationship, partners might make allowances for each other’s imperfections or quirks by accepting them without judgment.

35. Make right

To correct or fix a mistake or wrongdoing in order to restore fairness or justice. “Make right” implies taking action to address the consequences of one’s actions and make amends.

• For example, if someone accidentally damages someone else’s property, they might offer to pay for repairs or replace the item to make right.
• In a professional setting, if a mistake is made that affects a client, the company might take steps to make right by offering a refund or compensation.
• In a personal relationship, if one person hurts the other, they might make right by apologizing, acknowledging their mistake, and working to rebuild trust.

36. Make amends

To make up for a mistake or wrongdoing by taking action to correct it or compensate for the harm caused.

• For example, if you hurt someone’s feelings, you might apologize and make amends by doing something nice for them.
• In a relationship, one partner might make amends for a past mistake by planning a special date or surprise.
• A person might write a heartfelt letter to make amends for a misunderstanding or disagreement.

37. Make up for

To do something to balance or compensate for a previous action or loss.

• For instance, if you miss a deadline, you might work extra hours to make up for the lost time.
• A student who performs poorly on a test might study harder to make up for the low grade.
• In a relationship, one partner might make up for a missed anniversary by planning a romantic getaway.

38. Make plausible

To present an argument or explanation in a way that seems reasonable or believable.

• For example, a lawyer might try to make a plausible case for their client’s innocence in court.
• A person might make a story more plausible by providing specific details and evidence.
• In a debate, someone might try to make their argument more plausible by citing credible sources and logical reasoning.

39. Make acceptable

To provide reasons or explanations to make something acceptable or reasonable.

• For instance, a politician might try to make their controversial decision acceptable by explaining the benefits it will bring.
• A person might make their unconventional lifestyle choices acceptable to their family by showing how happy and fulfilled they are.
• In a negotiation, someone might make certain demands acceptable by offering concessions in return.

40. Make valid

To provide evidence or reasoning to support the truth or validity of something.

• For example, a scientist might conduct experiments to make their hypothesis valid.
• A person might provide supporting facts and examples to make their argument valid in a debate.
• In a legal case, a lawyer might present evidence to make their client’s claim valid in the eyes of the court.

41. Make reasonable

To make reasonable means to find a logical explanation or justification for something that may not initially seem logical or justified.

• For example, “I can’t make reasonable why he would choose to quit his stable job.”
• In a debate, someone might say, “You need to make reasonable why your argument is valid.”
• A person might ask, “Can you make reasonable why you made that decision?”

42. Make sense of

To make sense of something means to understand or find meaning in it, especially if it is confusing or unclear.

• For instance, “I’m trying to make sense of the instructions, but they’re so confusing.”
• When faced with a complex concept, someone might say, “I need some time to make sense of this.”
• In a difficult situation, a person might ask, “Can you help me make sense of what just happened?”

43. Make understandable

To make understandable means to clarify or provide an explanation for something that may be difficult to comprehend or unclear.

• For example, “Can you make understandable why she reacted that way?”
• When presenting a complex topic, someone might say, “Let me break it down to make it more understandable.”
• A teacher might ask, “Do you need me to make this concept more understandable?”

44. Make justifiable

To make justifiable means to provide valid reasons or evidence to support a decision, action, or belief.

• For instance, “He needs to make justifiable why he deserves a promotion.”
• In a court case, a lawyer might argue, “I will make justifiable why my client is innocent.”
• A person might ask, “Can you make justifiable why you made that choice?”

45. Make excusable

To make excusable means to find a reason or justification to excuse or forgive someone or something for their actions or behavior.

• For example, “It’s hard to make excusable why he was late again.”
• When discussing a mistake, someone might say, “I can’t make excusable for what I did.”
• A person might ask, “Can you make excusable why you didn’t complete the task?”

46. Make pardonable

To make an action or decision seem less wrong or more understandable.

• For example, “He tried to make his behavior pardonable by explaining his difficult circumstances.”
• In a debate, someone might argue, “We need to make this action pardonable by considering the intentions behind it.”
• A person might say, “I’m not trying to make my mistake pardonable, but I do want to learn from it and make amends.”

47. Make forgivable

To make an action or decision seem less wrong or more understandable.

• For instance, “She tried to make her actions forgivable by apologizing and taking responsibility.”
• In a discussion about ethics, someone might argue, “We should make forgiveness a priority and find ways to make wrongdoings forgivable.”
• A person might say, “I’m not trying to make my mistake forgivable, but I am working on changing my behavior.”

48. Make defensible

To provide reasons or evidence to support and defend an action or decision.

• For example, “He presented a strong argument to make his position defensible.”
• In a legal case, a lawyer might try to make their client’s actions defensible by providing an alibi and witnesses.
• A person might say, “I’m not trying to make my actions defensible, I genuinely believe they were the right choice.”

49. Make vindicable

To provide reasons or evidence to support and prove the validity of an action or decision.

• For instance, “She provided concrete evidence to make her claims vindicable.”
• In a debate, someone might try to make their argument vindicable by presenting logical reasoning and supporting facts.
• A person might say, “I’m confident that I can make my decision vindicable by explaining my thought process and intentions.”

50. Make supportable

To provide reasons or evidence to back up and justify an action or decision.

• For example, “He gathered data to make his proposal supportable.”
• In a discussion about policy changes, someone might argue, “We need to make sure our decisions are supportable by considering the potential impact on different stakeholders.”
• A person might say, “I’m confident I can make my choice supportable by explaining the research and analysis behind it.”

51. Make explainable

To provide a reason or explanation for something that may seem unclear or questionable.

• For example, “Can you make explainable why you arrived late to the meeting?”
• In a debate, a person might say, “I can make explainable why my opinion is valid.”
• A teacher might ask a student, “Can you make explainable how you arrived at that answer?”

52. Make rationalizable

To find a logical or reasonable explanation for something that may seem irrational or illogical.

• For instance, “He tried to make rationalizable his decision to quit his job.”
• In a discussion about a controversial topic, someone might say, “It’s difficult to make rationalizable why people hold such extreme views.”
• A psychologist might analyze a patient’s behavior and say, “We need to make rationalizable why the patient reacted that way.”

53. Make legitimate

To provide a valid or acceptable reason for something that may seem questionable or unauthorized.

• For example, “He tried to make legitimate his request for an extension.”
• In a legal setting, a lawyer might argue, “We need to make legitimate why our client took that action.”
• A manager might ask an employee to “make legitimate their need for a raise.”

54. Make clear

To clarify or explain something that may seem confusing or unclear.

• For instance, “Can you make clear what you meant by that statement?”
• In a presentation, a speaker might say, “Let me make clear the main points of my argument.”
• A teacher might ask a student to “make clear their thought process in solving the math problem.”

55. Make accountable

To hold someone responsible for their actions or decisions.

• For example, “It’s important to make accountable those who engage in unethical behavior.”
• In a team project, a leader might say, “We need to make accountable each team member for their contributions.”
• A parent might make their child accountable for breaking a rule by assigning a consequence.

56. Make arguable

To “make arguable” means to provide reasons or evidence to support a position or argument that may be seen as questionable or open to debate.

• For example, “He tried to make arguable his decision to leave the company.”
• In a discussion about a controversial topic, someone might say, “I can make arguable that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.”
• Another person might state, “It’s important to make arguable your point of view and consider different perspectives.”