vindication

noun

vin·​di·​ca·​tion ˌvin-də-ˈkā-shən 

: an act of vindicating : the state of being vindicated

specifically : justification against denial or censure : defense

Synonyms

• pardon
• clearing
• forgiveness
• acquittal
• exoneration

Examples of vindication in a Sentence

recanted testimony that resulted in a long-overdue vindication

Recent Examples on the Web

Kanter and Khan see Figma’s early thriving, as a public company worth $44 billion rather than an Adobe offering, as vindication of their antitrust approach, which was the most robust in decades. —Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Its success was a vindication of the idea that younger audiences will show up to theaters when movie studios meet them halfway and adapt current IP rather than retreading legacy characters. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 24 July 2025

Combs’ supporters cheered the news as a total vindication. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2025

This collection is a powerful vindication for those of us who have been wearing shorts almost all through the fashion weeks this season. —Vogue, 27 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for vindication

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation