Exculpate implies a clearing from blame or fault often in a matter of small importance. If your family thinks you hogged the last piece of pie on thanksgiving, you'll be vindicated when your younger brother fesses up. To prove that what someone said or did was right or true, after other people thought it was…
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To clear, as from an accusation, imputation, suspicion, or the like.
See examples of vindicate used in a sentence.
Definition of vindicate verb in oxford advanced learner's dictionary Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. To clear, as from an accusation or suspicion To uphold or justify by argument or evidence
To maintain or defend against opposition. If a person or their decisions, actions, or ideas are vindicated, they are proved to be correct, after people have said that they were wrong The director said he had been vindicated by the experts' report Collins cobuild advanced learner’s dictionary.
There are 12 meanings listed in oed's entry for the verb vindicate, four of which are labelled obsolete
See ‘meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. Vindicate means to justify, prove, or reinforce an idea — or to absolve from guilt
