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.

Vindicate means to justify, prove, or reinforce an idea — or to absolve from guilt. If your family thinks you hogged the last piece of pie on Thanksgiving, you'll be vindicated when your younger brother fesses up.

VINDICATE meaning: 1. to prove that what someone said or did was right or true, after other people thought it was…. Learn more.

vin•di•cate (ˈvɪn dɪˌkeɪt) v.t. -cat•ed, -cat•ing. 1. to clear, as from an accusation or suspicion: to vindicate someone's honor. 2. to afford justification for; justify. 3. to uphold or justify by argument or evidence. …

Definition of vindicate verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Jan 14, 2026 · vindicate (third-person singular simple present vindicates, present participle vindicating, simple past and past participle vindicated) (transitive) To clear of an accusation, suspicion or criticism.

There are 12 meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb vindicate, four of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Vindicate Correct spelling - The proper way to spell this word. “Vindicate” means to clear someone of blame or suspicion.

To clear someone's name, reputation, or actions from suspicion, doubt, or unjust criticism. "The evidence presented in court will vindicate the defendant."

They have evidence that will vindicate [= exonerate] her. She will be completely vindicated by the evidence.