Synonyms

vindicatory

American

[vin-di-kuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / ˈvɪn dɪ kəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

Also vindicative

adjective

tending or serving to vindicate.
punitive; retributive.

vindicatory killings.

Etymology

Origin of vindicatory

First recorded in 1640–50; vindicate + -ory ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They are seeking £1 each in "vindicatory" damages.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

They are suing him for a nominal £1 in damages for "vindicatory purposes".

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

He is being sued for symbolic damages of £1 for " vindicatory purposes".

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2024

They are seeking symbolic damages of £1 for "vindicatory purposes".

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2024

All this evidence he brought together in a vindicatory pamphlet, which, however, by the time he had completed it he decided not to publish.

From John Quincy Adams American Statesmen Series by Morse, John T. (John Torrey)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023