1. the condition of being relieved from blame or obligation • Derivationally related forms: exonerate • Hypernyms: condition, status 2. the act of vindicating or defending against criticism or censure etc. - friends provided a vindication of his position • Syn: vindication • Derivationally related forms: exonerate, vindicate (for: vindication) • Hypernyms: clearing • Hyponyms: justification, rehabilitation