Synonyms for justify

verb

1. To vindicate

   absolve, acquit, clear; see excuse.

2. To give reasons for

   plead, argue for, defend, support, apologize for, palliate, excuse, explain, sustain, maintain, advocate, brief, answer for, be answerable for, put in a plea for, stand up for, make allowances, rationalize, exculpate, speak in favor of, favor, champion, make a plea, acquit oneself of, show sufficient grounds for, countenance, do justice to, condone, pardon, make good, confirm, rebut, show cause; see also defend 3, explain.

   Antonyms convict*, condemn, implicate.

3. To prove by the event

   warrant, verify, bear out; see prove.