be important enough to require

warrant

verb|/ˈwɔːr.ənt/

To justify or necessitate a particular action or response

Examples

In a meeting

The severity of this issue warrants immediate attention from leadership.

Over coffee

I don't think this argument warrants ending the friendship.

Why this word

justify

warrant implies that circumstances provide sufficient grounds making something appropriate or necessary, while justify means defending or explaining rightness

require

warrant suggests that conditions make action appropriate or called for, while require means making something obligatory or needed

merit

warrant emphasizes that a situation calls for a specific response, while merit means deserving something based on worth

Usage tip

Use to indicate something deserves or requires a specific response. Emphasizes that the situation merits the action.

Etymology

Old North French 'warant' meaning protector, from Germanic 'werento' (guarantor)

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