vindicate

verb

ˈvin-də-ˌkāt How to pronounce vindicate (audio)
Definition of vindicatenext
1
as in to acquit
to free from a charge of wrongdoing vowed that the evidence would completely vindicate him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to confirm
to give evidence or testimony to the truth or factualness of recent discoveries have generally vindicated the physicist's theories

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb vindicate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of vindicate are absolve, acquit, exculpate, and exonerate. While all these words mean "to free from a charge," vindicate may refer to things as well as persons that have been subjected to critical attack or imputation of guilt, weakness, or folly, and implies a clearing effected by proving the unfairness of such criticism or blame.

her judgment was vindicated

When might absolve be a better fit than vindicate?

Although the words absolve and vindicate have much in common, absolve implies a release either from an obligation that binds the conscience or from the consequences of disobeying the law or committing a sin.

cannot be absolved of blame

In what contexts can acquit take the place of vindicate?

The synonyms acquit and vindicate are sometimes interchangeable, but acquit implies a formal decision in one's favor with respect to a definite charge.

voted to acquit the defendant

When could exculpate be used to replace vindicate?

The meanings of exculpate and vindicate largely overlap; however, exculpate implies a clearing from blame or fault often in a matter of small importance.

exculpating himself from the charge of overenthusiasm

When would exonerate be a good substitute for vindicate?

The words exonerate and vindicate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exonerate implies a complete clearance from an accusation or charge and from any attendant suspicion of blame or guilt.

exonerated by the investigation

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of vindicate Mackey welcomed Wednesday’s order, saying on social media he has been vindicated. —David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 9 July 2025 After the verdict, T.I. and Tiny said they were vindicated. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2025 Nonetheless, Combs’ lawyer walked out of the courthouse and declared a decisive triumph, saying the verdict vindicated their client. —Danielle Bacher, People.com, 3 July 2025 In precluding the former and approving the latter, the Consumers' Research approach does nothing to vindicate the nondelegation doctrine or the separation of powers. —ArsTechnica, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for vindicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vindicate
  1. acquit
  2. confirm
  3. verify
  4. argue
Verb
  • As well, the players were acquitted of the very serious criminal charges.
    — Eric Macramalla, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Brendon's mother, 21-year-old Sophie Staddon, was acquitted of a lesser charge of causing or allowing the death of a child, per the outlets.
    — Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 24 July 2025
Definition of acquit
Verb
  • Trump also polled the members of Congress present about firing Powell and received a positive response, Reuters later confirmed.
    — Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Martinez's family confirmed his identity, according to reporting by ABC13.
    — Michael Nied, People.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of confirm
Verb
  • His accusation couldn’t be verified in public records.
    — The Marshall Project, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
  • In today's threat landscape, verifying identities isn't enough.
    — Chris Bowen, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of verify
Verb
  • The Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which King co-founded in 1957, opposed the release, arguing that the FBI illegally surveilled King and other civil rights figures.
    — Nik Popli, Time, 21 July 2025
  • But McBride argues that, by this point, Americans had begun viewing hair style as a personal choice, making Jones’s ultimatums controversial.
    — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
Definition of argue

Browse Nearby Words

vindicable
vindicate
vindicated
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Cite this Entry

“Vindicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vindicate. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of vindicate for Spanish Speakers

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