Definition of JUSTICES (original) (raw)
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 title
Justice Marshall
c
: the administration of law
especially : the establishment or determination of rights according to the rules of law or equity
2
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
Synonyms
Examples of justice in a Sentence
They 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.
In the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis in 2020, Booker became a leading voice on Stanford’s campus in the fight for social justice and racial equality. —Sam Jane, Baltimore Sun, 8 Feb. 2025 Perhaps earlier in the rise of social media, that ability felt like justice. —Kelsey McKinney, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2025 Mandela’s resilience, fueled by his unwavering hope for a future of equality and justice, serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit. —Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 The Court stands firmly by its personnel and pledges to continue providing justice and hope to millions of innocent victims of atrocities across the world, in all Situations before it. —Benjamin Weinthal, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for justice 
Word History
Etymology
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
Dictionary Entries Near justice
Cite this Entry
“Justice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/justice. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
Share
More from Merriam-Webster on justice
Last Updated: 11 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!