VINDICATE Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

vindicate

verb

Definition of vindicate next

as in to acquit

to free from a charge of wrongdoing vowed that the evidence would completely vindicate him

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to confirm

to give evidence or testimony to the truth or factualness of recent discoveries have generally vindicated the physicist's theories

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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