Definition of VINDICATE (original) (raw)
1
a
: to free from allegation or blame
(2)
: to provide justification or defense for : justify
c
: to protect from attack or encroachment : defend
Did you know?
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.
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for vindicate
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
steadfastly maintained his innocence
assert suggests determination to make others accept one's claim.
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 Her performance as the new nominee has so far seemed to vindicate the historic and — at the time — controversial calls from congressional Democrats for Mr. Biden to stand down. —
Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 12 Sep. 2024 Now her combative and boundary-pushing approach has been vindicated in both cases. —David Meyer, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2024 Macias told jurors that the Andersons filed suit against Disney to vindicate their reputation. —Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2024 Some fans will be vindicated (and others sorely disappointed) at the cheeky answer provided by none other than Kelly Bishop, who portrays the formidable, often hilarious and definitely haughty old-money matriarch Emily, grandmother to Rory. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 2 Sep. 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.
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
Dictionary Entries Near vindicate
Cite this Entry
“Vindicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vindicate. Accessed 19 Sep. 2024.
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Last Updated: 17 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences
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