justify

Verb

• adjust the spaces between words
  • justify the margins
    

• let off the hook
  • I absolve you from this responsibility
    

• defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
  • rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior
    
  • he rationalized his lack of success
    

• show to be right by providing justification or proof
  • vindicate a claim
    

• show to be reasonable or provide adequate ground for
  • The emergency does not warrant all of us buying guns
    
  • The end justifies the means
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  absolve , free , apologize , apologise , excuse , rationalize , rationalise , vindicate , warrant
• Antonyms: 
  blame , fault