plausiblejustification
nounUK /ˈplɔːzəbəlˌdʒʌstɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
US /ˈplɔːzəbəlˌdʒʌstəfəˈkeɪʃən/
A reason that sounds like it could be true.
His plausiblejustification for being late was that the bus broke down.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. An explanation that appears reasonable but may not actually be true.
The plausiblejustification fooled everyone until the facts came out.
3. A formal argument offered to make an action seem acceptable.
The committee accepted the plausiblejustification for the budget change.
4. A surface-level reason used to cover a weaker underlying motive.
Her plausiblejustification hid the real reason she left early.