VINDICATE Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

vindicate

verb

ˈvin-də-ˌkāt

Definition of vindicate next

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

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

Examples 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 Committee's thorough investigation and detailed findings vindicate their accounts and demonstrate their credibility. —

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024 The election result on Nov. 5 — just about 100 days after Harris’ overnight transformation — left Smith feeling sadly, grimly vindicated. —

Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024 Since being introduced as QB1, Wilson has vindicated his coach and turned back the clock to his Seattle heyday. —

Ben Morse, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024 Only by joining battle with its antagonist can the existing order redeem itself and vindicate its true humanity. —

Matthew Karp, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vindicate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vindicate

Verb

The ruling comes after Peterson was acquitted in 2023 of criminal charges of child neglect, culpable negligence and perjury related to the shooting, which killed 17 people and injured dozens more.

Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 10 Jan. 2025
That ensures that if charges are reduced or dismissed, or the person is acquitted, our reporting will reflect that.

Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 9 Jan. 2025