What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
exculpation
Example
The defendant's exculpation was due to the lack of evidence against him. [exculpation: noun]
Example
She hoped her alibi would lead to her exculpation from the crime. [exculpation: noun]
vindication
Example
The athlete's drug test results were negative, leading to his vindication from doping allegations. [vindication: noun]
Example
She felt a sense of vindication when her boss apologized for falsely accusing her. [vindication: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vindication is more commonly used than exculpation in everyday language. Vindication is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while exculpation is less common and typically used in legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between exculpation and vindication?
Both exculpation and vindication are formal words, but exculpation is more technical and specific to legal contexts, while vindication can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
