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Definitions

vicarious

[vahy-kair-ee-uhs, vi-] / vaɪˈkɛər i əs, vɪ- /
ADJECTIVE
done or felt for, or on behalf of, another
Synonyms
WEAK
by proxy commissioned delegated deputed empathetic eventual imagined indirect pretended secondary substituted substitutional surrogate sympathetic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Johnson, squeezed into a wig so tight we get a vicarious headache, has pumped up his deltoids to nearly reach his prosthetic cauliflower ears.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2025

The reality is that vicarious trauma is real.

From Slate • Sep. 12, 2025

Luckily, the internet is also glitching, causing a vicarious thrill when Marty quits trying to get service and throws away his phone.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2025

Harrods is accepting vicarious liability for the actions of Fayed, and there are no non-disclosure agreements attached to the settlements.

From BBC • Sep. 20, 2024

Whenever I fidgeted or complained, she reminded me that she didn’t have any memories of being human, and asked me not to ruin her vicarious fun.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer