vindication

noun

vin·​di·​ca·​tion ˌvin-də-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce vindication (audio)
: an act of vindicating : the state of being vindicated
specifically : justification against denial or censure : defense

Examples of vindication in a Sentence

recanted testimony that resulted in a long-overdue vindication
Recent Examples on the Web Officials view the data as vindication of Biden’s policies, such as passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and investments in semiconductors and science. Christine Romans, NBC News, 2 Feb. 2024 But ethics experts and even some of her past supporters say the outcome was more an indictment of the lax rules and cozy ties between lawmakers and special interests than a vindication of her actions. Alexandra Berzon, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2024 After the hearing, one of Ford’s attorneys hailed the decision as vindication of months of concerns about Price’s apparent bias against Ford. Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 3 Jan. 2024 Today’s report will offer vindication to critics who said his appointment was a conflict of interest. Laura Millan, Fortune, 28 Nov. 2023 First, there is the notion that the Nobel Prize equals vindication. C. Brandon Ogbunu, Scientific American, 5 Oct. 2023 Then, the guys talk about the vindication for Jim Harbaugh and Warde Manuel and their decision to stick it out when things got tough in 2020, the history behind Michigan's accomplishments, and much more. Andrew Birkle, Detroit Free Press, 10 Jan. 2024 The results are a vindication of sorts for Moderna's strategy to develop new uses for messenger RNA technology used in its COVID-19 vaccine. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 14 Dec. 2023 This past year in music ushered in an era of vindication for the chronic oversharer. Rolling Stone, 28 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vindication.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vindication was in 1613

Dictionary Entries Near vindication

Cite this Entry

“Vindication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vindication. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on vindication

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!