vindicate

verb

vin·di·cate ˈvin-də-ˌkāt

vindicated; vindicating

Synonyms of vindicate next

transitive verb

: to free from allegation or blame

b(1)

: confirm, substantiate

(2)

: to provide justification or defense for : justify

: to protect from attack or encroachment : defend

: avenge

: to maintain a right to

obsolete : to set free : deliver

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It’s hard not to marvel at the rich history of vindicate. Vindicate, which has been used in English since at least the mid-16th century, comes from a form of the Latin verb vindicare, meaning “to set free, avenge, or lay claim to.” Vindicare, in turn, comes from vindex, a noun meaning “claimant” or “avenger.” Truly, vindex has proven to be an incredible hulk of a word progenitor over the centuries. Other descendants of this “avenger” assembled in English include avenge itself, revenge, vengeance, vendetta, and vindictive.

Choose the Right Synonym for vindicate

exculpate, absolve, exonerate, acquit, vindicate mean to free from a charge.

exculpate implies a clearing from blame or fault often in a matter of small importance.

exculpating himself from the charge of overenthusiasm

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

exonerate implies a complete clearance from an accusation or charge and from any attendant suspicion of blame or guilt.

exonerated by the investigation

acquit implies a formal decision in one's favor with respect to a definite charge.

voted to acquit the defendant

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

maintain, assert, defend, vindicate, justify mean to uphold as true, right, just, or reasonable.

maintain stresses firmness of conviction.

steadfastly maintained his innocence

assert suggests determination to make others accept one's claim.

asserted her rights

defend implies maintaining in the face of attack or criticism.

defended his voting record

vindicate implies successfully defending.

his success vindicated our faith in him

justify implies showing to be true, just, or valid by appeal to a standard or to precedent.

the action was used to justify military intervention

Examples of vindicate in a Sentence

She will be completely vindicated by the evidence. These discoveries vindicate their theory. Their approach to the problem has been vindicated by the positive results. He felt vindicated when the truth became known.

Recent Examples on the Web Countless alternative ethical frameworks, from feminism to Christianity, can vindicate my revulsion. —

Becca Rothfeld, Washington Post, 3 July 2024 One legal expert who had questioned the case graciously conceded on the New York Times op-ed page that Bragg has now been vindicated. —

Ben Adler, USA TODAY, 7 June 2024 The decision vindicated my response to the Colorado Supreme Court’s foolish attempt to usurp the American people and remove Trump from the ballot, a total overreach. —

Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 9 Mar. 2024 In Khamenei’s mind, their distrust has been vindicated, so they should be empowered to shun the West, restrict and censor the Internet, and pursue economic and cultural autonomy. —

Vali Nasr, Foreign Affairs, 6 Feb. 2023 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.

Word History

Etymology

Latin vindicatus, past participle of vindicare to lay claim to, avenge, from vindic-, vindex claimant, avenger

First Known Use

circa 1571, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Time Traveler

The first known use of vindicate was circa 1571

See more words from the same year

Articles Related to vindicate

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"To free from allegation or blame"

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Lookups for 'vindicate' spiked after the president said he felt the word applied to him—somewhat

Cite this Entry

Style

“Vindicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vindicate. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.

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Kids Definition

vindicate

verb

vin·di·cate ˈvin-də-ˌkāt

vindicated; vindicating

: to free from blame or guilt

evidence that will vindicate me

: confirm sense 4

later discoveries vindicated the claim

vindication

ˌvin-də-ˈkā-shən

noun

vindicator

ˈvin-də-ˌkāt-ər

noun

Last Updated: 7 Jul 2024 - Updated example sentences

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vindicate

verb

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Synonyms

Examples of vindicate in a Sentence

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