exculpate vs vindicate

exculpate and vindicate both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
exculpate	No	No	Yes	No
vindicate	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, vindicate is a hyponym of exculpate; that is, vindicate is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than exculpate:

exculpate: pronounce not guilty of criminal charges
vindicate: clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting proof

Other hyponyms of exculpate include whitewash, purge.

exculpate (verb)	vindicate (verb)
pronounce not guilty of criminal charges	show to be right by providing justification or proof
	clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting proof
	maintain, uphold, or defend