vindicating
Clearing of blame
Vindicating is proving someone or something right after doubt or criticism.
A scientist whose controversial theory is later confirmed feels vindicated.
The DNA evidence was vindicating—he'd been innocent all along.
To vindicate can also mean to justify or defend: The success of the project vindicated her unconventional approach.
Clear of wrongdoing
- acquitFind not liable
- clearWithout obstruction or fog
- absolveRelease from guilt
- exculpateClear of blame
pardon · forgive · amnesty · quash · overturn · reprieve · discharge · release
Provide adequate grounds for
- validateConfirm as true
- substantiateProve something is true
- corroborateConfirm with supporting evidence
- confirmValidate as true
affirm · uphold · warrant · legitimize · support · back · defend · bear out
Recovery or moral restoration
- atonementCompensation for wrongdoing
- restorationReturning something to condition
- rehabilitationRecovery from injury/addiction
- reclamationRecovery of something lost
comeback · recovery · second chance · making good · amends · righting wrongs · triumph · perseverance
exonerate
Clear of wrongdoing
exculpate · pardon · forgive · amnesty · quash · overturn · reprieve · discharge · release · dismiss
justify
Provide adequate grounds for
- validateConfirm as true
- substantiateProve something is true
- corroborateConfirm with supporting evidence
confirm · affirm · uphold · warrant · legitimize · support · back · defend · bear out · demonstrate
redemption
Recovery or moral restoration
- atonementCompensation for wrongdoing
- restorationReturning something to condition
- rehabilitationRecovery from injury/addiction
reclamation · comeback · recovery · second chance · making good · amends · righting wrongs · triumph · perseverance · resilience
verdict
Official court decision
- trialJudicial examination of claims
- courtroomJudicial proceedings chamber
- juryLegal decision-making body
judge · testimony · defendant · ruling · judgment · due process · court case · appeal · hearing · decision
- provingtesting, showing, confirming, verifying, validating
- defensedefense, defending, protecting, protection, security
- approvalsapproved, approve, authorizing, certification, endorsing
- Excusingjustifying, forgiving, pardoning, condoning, rationalizing
vindicatingcondemning
Expressing severe disapproval
accusing · blaming · convicting · incriminating · damning
vindicatingrefuting
Disproving a claim
disproving · invalidating · discrediting · debunking · contradicting