justification — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A reason, explanation, or excuse which someone believes provides convincing, morally acceptable support for behavior or for a belief or occurrence.

   Usage

   • Countable

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   The growing use of social media to spread anger and dissent in the Arab world has been hailed by western governments as one of the chief justifications for a completely unfettered internet. The US is reportedly funding the secret rollout of technology in Iran in an effort to undermine internet censors in the country.

2. The forgiveness of sin.

   Usage

   • Uncountable

   Examples

   […] to articulate a common understanding of our justification by God’s grace through faith in Christ.

3. The alignment of text to the left margin (left justification), the right margin (right justification), or both margins (full justification).

   Usage

   • Uncountable

Noun

1. something (such as a fact or circumstance) that shows an action to be reasonable or necessary

   Broader terms

   circumstanceconditionconsideration

   Examples

   he considered misrule a justification for revolution

2. a statement in explanation of some action or belief

   Broader terms

   explanationaccount

3. the act of defending or explaining or making excuses for by reasoning

   Broader terms

   vindicationexoneration