justify

(verb) show to be reasonable or provide adequate ground for. Synonyms: warrant. Examples: "The emergency does not warrant all of us buying guns." "The end justifies the means."

(verb) show to be right by providing justification or proof. Synonyms: vindicate. Example: "Vindicate a claim."

(verb) defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning. Synonyms: apologize, apologise, excuse, rationalize, rationalise. Examples: "Rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior." "He rationalized his lack of success."

(verb) let off the hook. Synonyms: absolve, free. Example: "I absolve you from this responsibility."

(verb) adjust the spaces between words. Example: "Justify the margins."