What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
justified
Example
The company's decision to lay off employees was justified due to financial difficulties. [justified: adjective]
Example
She felt justified in her anger after being mistreated by her boss. [justified: verb]
defensible
Example
The lawyer presented a defensible argument in court to prove his client's innocence. [defensible: adjective]
Example
His actions were defensible given the circumstances he was in. [defensible: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Justified is more common than defensible in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between justified and defensible?
Both justified and defensible are formal words that are often used in legal or argumentative contexts.
