self-justification

Ironically, the same psychological crutch of self-justification can then help in these situations.

They got that, but they got it colored by a distancing, third-person narrative and bouts of self-justification.

No one would read a pamphlet of self-justification so long after the deed, even if I put one out.'

But I wished to spare him if possible, and give him room for self-justification, so I did not tell you all.

In Bonaventure a look of distressful self-justification quickly changed to one of anxious compassion.

To represent the king in his act of self-justification before Osiris was in some measure to anticipate that justification.

I tasted it just before you arrived and it was delicious, exclaimed Mrs. Vernon in self-justification.