vindicate

[vin-di-keyt] / ˈvɪn dɪˌkeɪt /

VERB

prove one's innocence

Synonyms

STRONGEST

absolve acquit corroborate defend disprove exonerate justify prove refute substantiate uphold

STRONG

advocate argue assert claim clear confute contend establish exculpate excuse extenuate free guard maintain protect rationalize rehabilitate second shield support warrant whitewash

WEAK

bear out disculpate do justice to free from blame plead for

Antonyms

STRONGEST

blame charge condemn convict deny disprove incriminate prove sentence

STRONG

attack desert destroy forget hurt ignore neglect oppose reject ruin

WEAK

accuse punish

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The need "to punish the club and to vindicate those clubs who have complied with the relevant rules" is referenced.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Megan notes that the data vindicate Fed officials’ decision to keep interest rates steady at the January meeting.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

The law can be a maze for Americans trying to vindicate their rights, but at the end is supposed to be an exit leading to justice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 1, 2025

And it would vindicate the Dodgers’ strategy of all but mothballing an elite starting pitcher for almost three weeks and then handing him the ball and asking him to win them the division series.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2025

She expected me to vindicate her life for her, and the choices she’d made.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

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