Vindicateto show that a person or idea was correct and deserved means to prove that something is true, right, or justified, or to clear someone of blame or suspiciona feeling or belief that someone may have done something wrong. It can also mean to defend or upholdto support and continue protecting a rule, belief, or right a right, claim, or principle.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈvɪndəˌkeɪt/
Easy pronunciation: VIN-duh-KATE (approximate spelling).
Stress: Primary stress on the first syllable, with secondary stress on the last syllable.
Use this for the verb meaning to prove someone or something right by evidence or justification.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Vindicate Meaning
to prove that someone or something was right
Part of speech: verb
Definition: show to be right by providing justification or proof
Example: The new evidence vindicated her claim.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- justify — A direct substitute when the meaning is proving something right or justified.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Vindicate
Meaning 2
to clear someone of blame or suspicion
Part of speech: verb
Definition: clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting proof
Example: The report vindicated him after years of doubt.
Meaning 3
to defend or uphold a right or principle
Part of speech: verb
Definition: maintain, uphold, or defend
Example: The court vindicated the citizens' rights.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Vindicate Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- justify
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- People sometimes use vindicate to mean simply "support" or "approve," but it usually means proving something right, clearing someone of blame, or defending a right.
- It is not the same as "avert" or "avoid."
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does vindicate mean in simple English?
Vindicate means to prove that something or someone was right, or to clear a person of blame or suspicion.
Is vindicate the same as justify?
They overlap, especially when vindicate means proving something right. But vindicate can also mean clearing someone of blame or defending a right, so it is broader than justify.
What are common synonyms for vindicate?
For the main sense, justify is the closest synonym. Other uses can mean clear, exonerate, defend, or uphold, depending on the context.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.