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

ˈvin-də-ˌkāt

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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as in to confirm

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

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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

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 At the time, Alameda County Public Defender Brendon Woods, whose office represented Mitchell, said the decision vindicated their 18-month bid to clear Mitchell of that allegation. —

Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026 Newsom has been vindicated by history. —

Maya Singer, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2026 Some of what happened next vindicated my stance. —

Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026 There’s a lot that has to go down this season first, however, with the hope that Mickey comes out of this vindicated. —

Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vindicate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vindicate

Verb

The sentencing will be the end of an eventful trial in which Routh represented himself, but was unable to convince the jury to acquit him.

— Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
He had been acquitted in a criminal trial in 1995.

— Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 4 Feb. 2026

Definition of acquit

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vindicable

vindicate

vindicated

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“Vindicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vindicate. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 15 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of vindicate

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