verb
1.
Synonyms: maintain 2, argue, assert, claim, contend, defend, vindicate, warrant
Related Word: demonstrate, prove; back, support, uphold
Contrasted words: confute, disprove, refute
2.
Synonyms: confirm 2, authenticate, bear out, corroborate, substantiate, validate, verify
3.
Synonyms: explain 3, account, explain away, rationalize
Related Word: extenuate, gloss, gloze, palliate, whitewash
Contrasted words: accuse, arraign, incriminate, indict; blame, condemn, denounce
4.
to constitute sufficient grounds
thought the storm warning justified his leaving early
Synonyms: warrant
Related Word: allow, permit; approve, authorize, sanction