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 Dua Lipa and Callum Turner are officially engaged, which should feel vindicating to all those eagle-eyed celebrity news readers who spotted the pop singer wearing a diamond ring on her fourth lefthand finger in a Christmas Eve photo dump last year. Riann Phillip, Vogue, 16 June 2025 Sloane stands fully vindicated, and justice has been served. Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025 Extending Altera By confirming the income method’s general validity, Facebook tentatively vindicates the foundations of the current cost-sharing regulations. Ryan Finley, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025 Shortly after the arrest, Runcie released a video saying he would be vindicated. Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for vindicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vindicate
Verb
  • The star football player and actor was acquitted in 1995.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 28 June 2025
  • After five weeks of dramatic testimony, all three defendants were acquitted.
    Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Refrain from clicking on any links in emails or websites without confirming the authenticity of the sender.
    Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
  • Jones provided those services to the youth mentoring group for its annual conferences between 2019 and 2024 under a different audiovisual company, American Electronic Entertainment, aka, AEE Productions, 100 Black Men of America confirmed.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • For all July 4 plans involving alcohol, plan ahead and verify specific store hours or delivery options directly with retailers.
    Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
  • And states, which administer Medicaid, would have to set up systems to verify a person's employment or exemption status.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • Democrats, led by Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, had argued that in recent decades Congress gradually surrendered war-making powers to the president.
    Robert Jimison, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Molo argued that his request for an extension does not prejudice class counsel’s motion for attorney’s fees, which has not been ruled on by the court, and is stayed until all appeals are decided.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vindicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vindicate. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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