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 That corporate realignment has been vindicated by Infinity Castle. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 22 Sep. 2025 In the years since, Bates has certainly been vindicated. Shania Russell, EW.com, 14 Sep. 2025 This vindicated the Big Bang model, entrenching it as the scientific origin of our Universe. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 11 Sep. 2025 Now, the Journal has been vindicated in the eyes of all but the most fervent Trump loyalists. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vindicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vindicate
Verb
  • Despite being acquitted of the most serious charges against him, Combs still potentially faces several years in federal prison.
    Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The offensive line -- playing with backups Cole Strange and Larry Borom on the right side -- acquitted itself nicely Monday.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Milwaukee rewarded him with a two-year, $11 million contract in July, and, with Damian Lillard gone, Porter is now the point guard, which was confirmed by Doc Rivers a few weeks ago.
    Stan Son, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Two people were struck and killed by a cargo train in Little River on Monday night, Miami Police and Fire Rescue confirmed.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Vanderbilt hospital is the only Level 1 pediatric trauma center within 150 miles, the top designation verified by the American College of Surgeons for around-the-clock specialists, a high volume of trauma cases, robust research and quality patient care.
    Beth Warren, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
  • An editor verified the accuracy of the information before publishing.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That’s not sustainable, argues Ruchir Sharma, chair of Rockefeller International.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The lawsuit argues the messages violate the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from compelling speech.
    Shannon Bond, NPR, 5 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vindicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vindicate. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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