1
a : the maintenance or administration of what is just especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments b : judge especially : a judge of an appellate court or court of last resort (as a supreme court) —used as a titleJustice Marshall
c : the administration of law especially : the establishment or determination of rights according to the rules of law or equity2
a : the quality of being just, impartial, or fair questioned the justice of their decision b(1) : the principle or ideal of just dealing or right action (2) : conformity to this principle or ideal : righteousness the justice of their cause c: the quality of conforming to law
3
: conformity to truth, fact, or reason : correctness admitted that there was much justice in these observations—T. L. Peacock Examples of justice in a SentenceThey received justice in court. the U.S. Department of Justice criminals attempting to escape justice The role of the courts is to dispense justice fairly to everyone. She is a justice of the state supreme court. I saw no justice in the court's decision. We should strive to achieve justice for all people.
Recent Examples on the Web Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback. Mounting fear within the Jewish and Conservative communities of New York is that Mamdani’s furtive stance of justice for Palestine and divestment from Israel is stoking the flame of more virulent Anti-Semitism to come. —Alexandra Bregman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 The presentation — co-sponsored by the Independent Hospitality Coalition, a local advocacy organization for hospitality workers, and Mijente, a Latino social justice organization — was peppered with questions from attendees. —Karla Marie Sanford, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2025 Guzman-Feliz’s death sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice, with the hashtag #JusticeForJunior gaining traction across social media and prompting citywide demonstrations and tributes. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 30 June 2025 When she was selected, Stratton had a background in public safety and criminal justice, having served as an attorney and one-term member in the General Assembly. —Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for justice Word HistoryEtymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French justise, from Latin justitia, from justus — see just entry 1
First Known Use
12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of justice was in the 12th century Phrases Containing justice Articles Related to justice Cite this Entry“Justice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/justice. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
Kids Definition1
: just conduct, management, or treatment2
b : the administration of law received justice in court3
a: the quality of being fair or just
b: basis in morality, the right, or the law
Legal Definition1
a : the quality of being just, impartial, or fair it is not the province of the court to decide upon the justice or injustice…of these laws—Scott v. Sanford, 60 U.S. 393 (1857) b : the principle or ideal of just dealingalso : conformity to the principle or ideal of just dealing
2
a : the administration of law especially : the establishment or determination of rights according to law or equity b : fair, just, or impartial legal process courts or tribunals…for the administration of international justice—G. R. Winters3
: judge especially : a judge of an appellate court or court of last resort (as a supreme court) insults to particular justices and threats of civil disobedience were bandied freely —R. H. BorkEtymology
Old French, from Latin justitia, from justus just
Last Updated: 5 Jul 2025 - Updated example sentencesLove words? Need even more definitions?
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