Vindicate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈvin-də-ˌkāt/ vin·di·cate

Meaning & Definition of Vindicate

Vindicate (verb)

  1. to free from allegation or blame, to show that someone is not guilty
  2. confirm, substantiate
  3. to provide justification or defense for, justify

Vindicate (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to free from a charge of wrongdoing

    "vowed that the evidence would completely vindicate him"

    similar: absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate
    related: atone (for), expiate, discharge, liberate, redeem, release, unburden, condone, excuse, whitewash, forgive, pardon, remit, avenge, redress, revenge
    opposite: criminate, incriminate
    near: accuse, arraign, charge, impeach, indict, convict

  2. to give evidence or testimony to the truth or factualness of

    "recent discoveries have generally vindicated the physicist's theories"

    similar: argue, attest, authenticate, bear out, certify, confirm, corroborate, substantiate, support, validate, verify
    related: avouch, back (up), testify (to), vouch (for), witness, guarantee, warrant, affirm, assert, aver, avow, declare, profess, demonstrate, document, establish, prove, reinforce
    opposite: disprove, rebut, refute
    near: contradict, gainsay, deny, disavow, disclaim, challenge, contest, dispute, question

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Vindicate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Vindicate:

absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, argue, attest, authenticate, bear out, certify, confirm, corroborate, substantiate, support, validate, verify

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Vindicate

Words with the opposite meaning of Vindicate:

criminate, incriminate, disprove, rebut, refute

Related Words for Vindicate

atone (for), expiate, discharge, liberate, redeem, release, unburden, condone, excuse, whitewash, forgive, pardon, remit, avenge, redress, revenge, avouch, back (up), testify (to), vouch (for), witness, guarantee, warrant, affirm, assert, aver, avow, declare, profess, demonstrate

Near Antonyms of Vindicate

accuse, arraign, charge, impeach, indict, convict, contradict, gainsay, deny, disavow, disclaim, challenge, contest, dispute, question

Word Forms of Vindicate

Inflections: vindicated, vindicating

Origin & Etymology of Vindicate

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

First known use: circa 1571

Frequently Asked Questions about Vindicate

What does "Vindicate" mean?

"Vindicate" means to free from allegation or blame, to show that someone is not guilty. As a verb, it is defined as: to free from allegation or blame, to show that someone is not guilty. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Vindicate"?

Other words for "Vindicate" include absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, argue, attest and authenticate. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Vindicate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Vindicate"?

There are 50 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Vindicate". Common alternatives include absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, argue, attest, authenticate, bear out and certify.

What is the opposite of "Vindicate"?

Antonyms of "Vindicate" include criminate, incriminate, disprove, rebut and refute. Near antonyms include accuse, arraign, charge and impeach.

How do you use "Vindicate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Vindicate" in a sentence: "vowed that the evidence would completely vindicate him"; "recent discoveries have generally vindicated the physicist's theories".

Is "Vindicate" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Vindicate" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Vindicate"?

"Vindicate" is pronounced /ˈvin-də-ˌkāt/ and divided into syllables as vin·di·cate.

What is the origin of the word "Vindicate"?

"Vindicate" comes from Latin vindicatus, past participle of vindicare to lay claim to, avenge, from vindic-, vindex claimant, avenger. First known use: circa 1571.