noun (n)

• the act of vindicating or defending against criticism or censure etc.(noun.act)

  Example:
  Friends provided a vindication of his position.
  

  Synonym:
  exoneration
  

  source: wordnet30
• the justification for some act or belief(noun.communication)

  Synonym:
  defence, defense
  

  source: wordnet30
• The act of vindicating, or the state of being vindicated; defense; justification against denial or censure; as, the vindication of opinions; his vindication is complete.(noun)

  source: webster1913