Words like vindicate can often be tricky—its meaning can seem straightforward but can have many shades depending on the context. Today, I’ll walk you through what it really means, how to use it correctly, and share some handy tips to make sure you're never in doubt. To vindicate someone means to free them from blame or suspicion, often by proving they are right or justified. Yes, vindicate can be used in legal contexts to refer to the act of defending rights or proving innocence. Indeed, vindicate can also imply personal affirmation or proving one's self-worth. 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. To clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting arguments or proof: Our society permits people to sue for libel so that they may vindicate their reputations (Irving R. Kaufman). vindicate: v. to clear someone of blame or suspicion. See example sentences, synonyms, audio, and spelling practice. VINDICATED definition: 1. past simple and past participle of vindicate 2. to prove that what someone said or did was right…. Learn more. The meaning of VINDICATION is an act of vindicating : the state of being vindicated; specifically : justification against denial or censure : defense. VINDICATE meaning: 1. to prove that what someone said or did was right or true, after other people thought it was…. Learn more. How to spell vindicate. 9-letter hard spelling bee word, Latin origin. Hear it pronounced and used in a sentence. 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.