vindication

noun

ˌvin-də-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce vindication (audio)
Definition of vindicationnext
as in pardon
a setting free from a charge of wrongdoing recanted testimony that resulted in a long-overdue vindication

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 vindication The sociologist Brian Donovan, in a book on the subject, describes how the hysteria over white slavery served at once as a progressive campaign against prostitution and as a vindication of nativist fear. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 If Springfield eventually provides the $150 million, the majority will claim vindication. — Angel Gutierrez, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026 Still, that 104th and final game capped a biggest-ever tournament seen as a vindication for the FIFA president — a consensus success on the field and a financial bonanza for global soccer. — Graham Dunbar, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026 Recounting the acquittal, Sam suggests Paul’s vindication wasn’t rooted so much in the truth as in the limits of the criminal justice system. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for vindication
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vindication
  1. pardon
  2. clearing
  3. forgiveness
  4. acquittal
  5. exoneration
Noun
  • Getting these rights back is nearly impossible without a presidential pardon, according to clemency experts.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 23 Sep. 2026
  • One successful pardon-seeker’s mother attended a $1 million fundraising dinner.
    — Caren Morrison, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of pardon
Noun
  • After bulldozers were spotted in August clearing land in Big Bend, Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott announced a pause on all activity there, and it was later expanded to the area upstream of the park.
    — Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The path was lined with stone steps and gorgeous clearings overlooking the water.
    — ElleAnna Revell, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of clearing
Noun
  • The settlements allowing federal authorities to recoup the funds helped resolve allegations that several companies made false certifications on their PPP loan and forgiveness applications.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
  • While the rest of the table is encouraging growth and forgiveness, Meredith is refusing to budge, completely stonewalling this apology and completely willing to die on this hill.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of forgiveness
Noun
  • The last words of Lizzie Borden have never been reported; in fact, she was rarely seen or heard from in public in the years following her acquittal.
    — Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The case drew national attention and became racially charged, with supporters of Anthony criticizing the lack of Black jurors and calling for his acquittal, while supporters of the Metcalf family gathered outside the courthouse seeking justice.
    — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of acquittal
Noun
  • Internal affairs complaints The lawsuit identifies five internal complaints filed against Sumstad between December 2022 and October 2025 and alleges each was dismissed, deemed unsubstantiated or ended in her exoneration.
    — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026
  • In fact, Mickes and Wixted have found that, in many exoneration cases, a witness resolutely identified a person in court despite having dithered and debated during the initial photo lineup.
    — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of exoneration

Browse Nearby Words

vindicating
vindication
vindications
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Cite this Entry

“Vindication.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vindication. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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