Thesaurus

absolve

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of absolve

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 of absolve

acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

Words Related to absolve

atone (for), expiate

discharge, liberate, redeem, release, unburden

condone, excuse, whitewash

forgive, pardon, remit

avenge, redress, revenge

Near Antonyms of absolve

accuse, arraign, charge, impeach, indict

Antonyms of absolve

criminate, incriminate

Synonym Discussion of absolve

exculpate, absolve, exonerate, acquit, vindicate mean to free from a charge. exculpate implies a clearing from blame or fault often in a matter of small importance.

- exculpating himself from the charge of overenthusiasm

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

exonerate implies a complete clearance from an accusation or charge and from any attendant suspicion of blame or guilt.

- exonerated by the investigation

acquit implies a formal decision in one's favor with respect to a definite charge.

- voted to acquit the defendant

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

Learn More about absolve

See words that rhyme with absolve Dictionary: Definition of absolve Spanish Central: Translation of absolve Nglish: Translation of absolve for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of absolve for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up absolve? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

exigent

play

requiring immediate aid or action

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games