Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Cleared of blame or suspicion; shown to be right or justified: The state of having been proven innocent, correct, or justified after being doubted, accused, or challenged.

Usage

• The adjective vindicated describes a person, their reputation, or their actions after proof has been established.
• It often carries a strong emotional connotation of relief and satisfaction following the clearing of one's name.
• It is frequently used with forms of the verb "to feel" (e.g., feel vindicated) or "to be" (e.g., was vindicated).

Examples

• After the new evidence was presented, the accused man was completely vindicated.
• She felt vindicated when her controversial theory was finally accepted by the scientific community.
• The investigation's report vindicated the employee, showing the complaint was unfounded.
• His decision seemed risky at the time, but the successful outcome vindicated his judgment.

Advanced Usage

• To have one's faith/trust/belief vindicated: To have one's confidence in someone or something proven correct by events.
  • The team's victory vindicated the coach's faith in his young players.
• A vindicated man/woman: A person whose innocence has been formally established.
  • He left the court a vindicated man.

Variants and Related Words

• Vindicate (verb): To clear of blame or suspicion; to provide justification for.
  • The evidence served to vindicate her.
• Vindication (noun): The act of vindicating or the state of being vindicated.
  • The court's ruling was a total vindication for the defendant.
• Vindicator (noun): A person or thing that vindicates.

Synonyms

• Absolved
• Exonerated
• Cleared
• Acquitted
• Justified

Antonyms

• Convicted
• Condemned
• Blamed
• Accused

Adjective

1. freed from any question of guilt
   • is absolved from all blame
   • was now clear of the charge of cowardice
   • his official honor is vindicated