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 As for Jennifer Schwartz, she feels vindicated. Neal Rubin, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025 Since then, no one has been able to convince me that Sophia Bush is straight and I’ve finally been vindicated! James Factora, Them., 26 Sep. 2025 Sainz finished third at Baku, capturing Williams' first podium in years and vindicating his decision to believe in team principal James Vowles' vision for the future. Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025 That corporate realignment has been vindicated by Infinity Castle. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vindicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vindicate
Verb
  • Priest acquitted after facing years behind bars for criticizing radical Islam.
    , FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Though Pacciani claimed to be innocent, he was convicted and sentenced to life in prison before being acquitted in 1996.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Vilaine did not confirm if anyone was transported to the hospital for medical care.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • These measurements confirmed that the metals were not forming nanoparticles but were dispersed as single atoms, chemically bound within the carbon framework in the favourable coordination environment — the secret sauce to their exceptional performance, according to a press release.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Handshakes are a first step, but only a new agreement can verify compliance and reestablish the regular channels of communications that are critical to prevent a civilization-ending miscalculation.
    Ernest J. Moniz, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025
  • And with a few canny pointers on how LLMs work and how to effectively structure prompts, AI can actually aid us in verifying posts on social media and offer missing context.
    Nadav Ziv, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • If the current fiscal package is estimated to not only cover its costs but grow the economy too, the path is justified, argued Zandi.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The company and store owners sued, arguing players could use an optional preview feature, removing the element of chance.
    Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vindicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vindicate. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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