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 The Man Behind Congestion Pricing: Charging drivers to enter Lower Manhattan vindicates the lifelong mission of William Vickrey, a Nobel laureate and optimization zealot. Luis Ferré-Sadurní, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025 Biden felt vindicated at the time and took delight proving his skeptics wrong, convinced the results spoke to quiet popularity for his polices – and himself ‒ that pundits were missing. Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025 Her selection thus signals a turning of the page—vindicating all those who object to a mindlessly hawkish U.S. foreign policy. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 But over the next several weeks, Tomlin’s decision was vindicated and Wilson was a revelation. Mike Defabo, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for vindicate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vindicate
Verb
  • In a show like this, the heroes tend to be less interesting, but Jordan Fisher acquits himself well, and shows off the clarity of tenor, at the task of playing the cardboard hero Bobby Strong.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Trump was impeached by the House twice during his first term, but the Senate voted to acquit him on both occasions.
    Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Ellis also posted a video statement to her Facebook on Jan. 31 confirming she was not involved.
    Katie Smith, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Kennedy has campaigned against vaccines for decades and he's expected to be confirmed this week.
    Maria Godoy, NPR, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Newsweek has not independently verified the claims Mace made during her speech.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Experience the place and the work While the author has verified that the novel takes place in Bordighera, the setting of the 2017 adaption was largely filmed in Crema, Lombardy.
    Becca Blond, AFAR Media, 10 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • First, the firm argues that the company’s intrinsic value has been obscured by its inefficient conglomerate structure, resulting in it trading in line with its lowest multiple refining segment despite a majority of EBITDA coming from its other premium businesses.
    Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 15 Feb. 2025
  • While it can be argued that the 20th century was defined by long-term employment and prioritizing a sense of stability, the modern landscape—carved in large by younger generations—revolves around personal fulfillment, work-life balance, and a sense of belonging.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near vindicate

Cite this Entry

“Vindicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vindicate. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vindicate

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