VINDICATION Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

vindication

noun

ˌvin-də-ˈkā-shən

Definition of vindication

as in pardon

a setting free from a charge of wrongdoing recanted testimony that resulted in a long-overdue vindication

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of vindication Strong feelings of certainty, relief, or vindication are often a signal that your identity has done the evaluating, not your critical thinking. — Big Think, 21 Aug. 2026 If Springfield eventually provides the $150 million, the majority will claim vindication. — Angel Gutierrez, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026 Still, that 104th and final game capped a biggest-ever tournament seen as a vindication for the FIFA president — a consensus success on the field and a financial bonanza for global soccer. — Graham Dunbar, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026 Recounting the acquittal, Sam suggests Paul’s vindication wasn’t rooted so much in the truth as in the limits of the criminal justice system. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for vindication

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vindication

Noun

Joe sought a presidential pardon in June 2025, and Gia said in August 2026 that the family had filed a humanitarian packet as part of its efforts to bring him home.

— Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
While the conviction will remain part of the historical record, the pardon removes any lasting consequence for him.

— Tamir Sorek, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of pardon

Noun

Then there’s a clearing of throats, and like malware, the narratives begin to establish persistence over mood and multiply.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026
The plaintiffs contend the administration has already begun implementing the larger redevelopment while attempting to treat tree-clearing and other preliminary work as separate maintenance projects.

— Rick Maese, Washington Post, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of clearing

Noun

Later in life, Schwam created Humanity 101, an initiative of Arizona State University’s Project Humanities, promoting the values of compassion, empathy, forgiveness, integrity, kindness, respect and self-reflection.

— Pat Saperstein, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026
But as the movie awkwardly pivots to weighty themes like forgiveness, honor and grief, the initial sparks of subversiveness fizzle out.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of forgiveness

Noun

Cases can be delayed with different tactics, including intimidation, corruption and procedural mistakes that can reduce charges or even lead to acquittals, said Carole Grace Mbarga, a Cameroonian rights activist.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
Baltovich spent nine years in prison until 2000, before an eventual acquittal in 2008 after prosecutors dropped all charges.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of acquittal

Noun

Internal affairs complaints The lawsuit identifies five internal complaints filed against Sumstad between December 2022 and October 2025 and alleges each was dismissed, deemed unsubstantiated or ended in her exoneration.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026
In fact, Mickes and Wixted have found that, in many exoneration cases, a witness resolutely identified a person in court despite having dithered and debated during the initial photo lineup.

— Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of exoneration

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vindication

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“Vindication.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vindication. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of vindication

noun

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