Synonyms of absolve

absolve

verb

əb-ˈzälv 

as in to acquit

to free from a charge of wrongdoing

no amount of remorse will absolve shoplifters who are caught, and all cases will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law

Synonyms & Similar Words

• acquit
• exonerate
• vindicate
• exculpate
• clear
• forgive
• release
• liberate
• redeem
• expiate
• excuse
• condone
• discharge
• atone (for)
• pardon
• avenge
• redress
• remit
• unburden
• whitewash
• revenge

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incriminate
• accuse
• charge
• indict
• impeach
• criminate
• convict
• arraign

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb absolve differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of absolve are acquit, exculpate, exonerate, and vindicate. While all these words mean "to free from a charge," absolve implies a release either from an obligation that binds the conscience or from the consequences of disobeying the law or committing a sin.

cannot be absolved of blame

When might acquit be a better fit than absolve?

While in some cases nearly identical to absolve, acquit implies a formal decision in one's favor with respect to a definite charge.

voted to acquit the defendant

When is exculpate a more appropriate choice than absolve?

The words exculpate and absolve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exculpate implies a clearing from blame or fault often in a matter of small importance.

exculpating himself from the charge of overenthusiasm

When could exonerate be used to replace absolve?

Although the words exonerate and absolve have much in common, exonerate implies a complete clearance from an accusation or charge and from any attendant suspicion of blame or guilt.

exonerated by the investigation

When is it sensible to use vindicate instead of absolve?

The meanings of vindicate and absolve largely overlap; however, vindicate may refer to things as well as persons that have been subjected to critical attack or imputation of guilt, weakness, or folly, and implies a clearing effected by proving the unfairness of such criticism or blame.

her judgment was vindicated

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of absolve

Lamar’s singular way with words nearly absolved the 160-minute show of its flaws — mainly, the decision to interweave his sets with those of co-headliner SZA into a continuous nine-act whole, and the irreconcilable contrasts that resulted. —Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2025

In other words, voucher programs are an effort to privatize education and absolve states from the responsibility of providing a high-quality education for all students. —Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025

Importantly, the team cautions that this is not meant to absolve Caligula of his many other atrocities. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 July 2025

The way some people in Silicon Valley talk about the future totally absolves them of any responsibility for it. —Erika Page, Christian Science Monitor, 16 June 2025

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