vindicate (v.)
- absolve
- acquit
- advocate
- amnesty
- argue
- assert
- claim
- clear
- confute
- contend
- decontaminate
- defend
- discharge
- dismiss
- disprove
- exculpate
- excuse
- exempt
- exonerate
- explain
- forgive
- free
- guard
- justify
- pardon
- protect
- prove
- purge
- rationalize
- redress
- refute
- rehabilitate
- reinstate
- release
- remit
- restore
- revenge
- second
- shield
- shrive
- support
- uphold
- warrant
- whitewash
Eye Nature's walks, shoot folly as it flies,
And catch the manners living as they rise;
Laugh where we must, be candid where we can,
But vindicate the ways of God to man.