vindication

American  

[vin-di-key-shuhn] / ˌvɪn dɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of vindicating.

2. the state of being vindicated.

3. defense; excuse; justification.

   Poverty was a vindication for his thievery.

4. something that vindicates.

   Subsequent events were her vindication.

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vindication British  

/ ˌvɪndɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of vindicating or the condition of being vindicated

2. a means of exoneration from an accusation

3. a fact, evidence, circumstance, etc, that serves to vindicate a theory or claim

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Other Word Forms

• nonvindication noun
• revindication noun
• self-vindication noun

Etymology

Origin of vindication

First recorded in 1475–85; from Latin vindicātiōn-, stem of vindicātiō “defense, punishment, vengeance”; equivalent to vindicate + -ion

Example Sentences

For Kennedy’s critics in Washington, the ruling was vindication.

From Salon • Mar. 18, 2026

That might feel like vindication for regional banks.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 12, 2026

"He will claim vindication no matter what happens."

From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026

But there is little triumph in vindication for the Scottish leader here.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

She also couldn’t stop the surge of vindication when all she saw was annoyance splashed across his every feature.

From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon

Related Words

• exoneration
• proof
• revenge