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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of absolve Opposition figures in Israel say Netanyahu seeks to use the Shin Bet and military investigations to shift blame for the 2023 attacks onto them — absolving himself of responsibility and remaining in office. Daniel Estrin, NPR, 5 Mar. 2025 This isn’t absolving the Timberwolves of their sins. Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 7 May 2025 To receive his buyout should he be fired without cause, Belichick would need to sign a post-termination agreement that accepts the decision and absolves the school from legal exposure. Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 1 May 2025 On his first day back in the White House, Trump made good on his campaign pledge to absolve those who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, granting full pardons to more than 1,500 rioters and commuting the sentences of extremist group leaders accused of spearheading the attack. Ella Lee, The Hill, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for absolve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absolve
acquit
Verb
  • The eight Black Sox players were acquitted on Aug. 2, 1921, after the jury convened for a mere two hours, 47 minutes.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • In what became another shocking tale of luck, Combs was ultimately acquitted on all charges.
    Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 12 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Absolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absolve. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on absolve

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!