Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb vindicate

3 senses of vindicate

Sense 1
justify, vindicate -- (show to be right by providing justification or proof; "vindicate a claim")
       => uphold, maintain -- (support against an opponent; "The appellate court upheld the verdict")

Sense 2
vindicate -- (maintain, uphold, or defend; "vindicate the rights of the citizens")
       => maintain, defend -- (state or assert; "He maintained his innocence")

Sense 3
vindicate -- (clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting proof; "You must vindicate yourself and fight this libel")
       => acquit, assoil, clear, discharge, exonerate, exculpate -- (pronounce not guilty of criminal charges; "The suspect was cleared of the murder charges")

Antonyms of adj vindicated

1 sense of vindicated

Sense 1
absolved, clear, cleared, exculpated, exonerated, vindicated -- (freed from any question of guilt; "is absolved from all blame"; "was now clear of the charge of cowardice"; "his official honor is vindicated")

INDIRECT (VIA innocent) -> guilty -- (responsible for or chargeable with a reprehensible act; "guilty of murder"; "the guilty person"; "secret guilty deeds")

Similarity of adj vindicated

1 sense of vindicated

Sense 1
absolved, clear, cleared, exculpated, exonerated, vindicated -- (freed from any question of guilt; "is absolved from all blame"; "was now clear of the charge of cowardice"; "his official honor is vindicated")
       => innocent (vs. guilty), guiltless, clean-handed -- (free from evil or guilt; "an innocent child"; "the principle that one is innocent until proved guilty")