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Definition of justification : 1. Adjustment of type by spacing it so as to make it exactly fill a line, or of a cut so as to hold it in the right place; also, the leads, quads, etc., used for making such adjustment.
2. The act of justifying or the state of being justified; a showing or proving to be just or conformable to law, justice, right, or duty; defense; vindication; support; as, arguments in justification of the prisoner's conduct; his disobedience admits justification.
3. The act of justifying, or the state of being justified, in respect to God's requirements.
4. The showing in court of a sufficient lawful reason why a party charged or accused did that for which he is called to answer.

Synonyms:

redemption, call, motive, galley, in justification of something, acquittal, palliative, warrant, extenuation, necessity, explain, advocacy, confirmation, exoneration, cause, bold, dotted line, grounds, validation, whitewashing, point, start, argument, copperplate, font, salvation, true, full-page, foundation, palliation, apology, apologia, account, attack, ground, format, basis, support, occasion, mitigation, approval, exculpation, sanctification, motivation, apologetic, capitalize, capitalise, why, vindication, rationalization, wherefore, confession

entreaty, appeal, suit, petition

excuse, defense, refutation, rebuttal, denial, answer, reply, reaction, response, retort, return, riposte, echo, objection, explanation, acknowledgment, rejoinder

alibi, stratagem, plea, reason, pretense, pretext, white lie, red herring, rationale, smoke screen, affirmation, claim, loop-hole

Usage examples:

• It was the false doctrine of justification which made Luther a most miserable man. - "Historical Introductions to the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church", Friedrich Bente.
• But it is true: and, on reflection, no South American need feel hurt at this description, which is in fact a justification of the past history and present position of his country. - "South America and the War", F. A. Kirkpatrick.
• Our only justification in this whole matter is that we are absolutely serious about it. - "Penelope's Irish Experiences", Kate Douglas Wiggin.