justify in WordNet English dictionary

1. let off the hook
   "I absolve you from this responsibility"
   absolve  justify  free 
   
2. defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
   "rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior"; "he rationalized his lack of success"
   apologize  apologise  excuse  justify  rationalize  rationalise 
   
3. adjust the spaces between words
   "justify the margins"
   justify 
   
4. show to be right by providing justification or proof
   "vindicate a claim"
   justify  vindicate 
   
5. show to be reasonable or provide adequate ground for
   "The emergency does not warrant all of us buying guns"; "The end justifies the means"
   justify  warrant