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

Examples of vindicate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Deadpool & Wolverine post-credits scene, however, vindicates Deadpool. —

Nick Romano, EW.com, 5 Aug. 2024 These limits on its international space collaboration, and China’s own ascent, have left some Chinese social media users feeling vindicated by the latest discovery – with online comments and state media coverage hailing the advancements of the national space program. —

Jessie Yeung, CNN, 5 Aug. 2024 Popular on Variety Rather than calling it even there (or trying to talk things over with his former friend), Woody seeks out an underground society to supply them with antique weapons and a suitable place to use them, until one of these guys is dead and the other vindicated. —

Peter Debruge, Variety, 31 July 2024 The bottom line: The Legislature has taken important steps to vindicate the rights of homeowners vis-à-vis their HOAs and condo associations. —

Matthew Zifrony, Sun Sentinel, 30 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for vindicate

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vindicate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Vindicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vindicate. Accessed 7 Sep. 2024.

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Last Updated: 5 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences

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