What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
exoneration
Example
The DNA evidence led to the exoneration of the wrongfully convicted man. [exoneration: noun]
Example
The investigation exonerated the employee from any wrongdoing. [exonerated: past tense verb]
vindication
Example
The court's decision brought vindication to the wrongly accused defendant. [vindication: noun]
Example
The athlete's performance vindicated the coach's decision to put them in the game. [vindicated: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exoneration is less common than vindication in everyday language, as it is typically used in legal or official contexts. Vindication is more versatile and can be used in personal, professional, and legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between exoneration and vindication?
Exoneration is more formal than vindication, as it is typically used in legal or official contexts. Vindication can be used in both formal and informal contexts.