Synonym Chooser

How does the verb exculpate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of exculpate are absolve, acquit, exonerate, and vindicate. While all these words 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

When can absolve be used instead of exculpate?

In some situations, the words absolve and exculpate are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Where would acquit be a reasonable alternative to exculpate?

The meanings of acquit and exculpate largely overlap; however, acquit implies a formal decision in one's favor with respect to a definite charge.

voted to acquit the defendant

In what contexts can exonerate take the place of exculpate?

The words exonerate and exculpate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exonerate implies a complete clearance from an accusation or charge and from any attendant suspicion of blame or guilt.

exonerated by the investigation

When would vindicate be a good substitute for exculpate?

The synonyms vindicate and exculpate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 exculpate Now that Barry has accepted the death of his mother (Maribel Verdú) and successfully exculpated his father (Ron Livingston), the arc that has defined him on screen so far is resolved. Christian Holub, EW.com, 17 June 2023 Examining Suzanne Morphew's body could either incriminate or exculpate her husband, prosecutors said. Erielle Reshef, ABC News, 15 May 2023 The justices could also require that prosecutors show that the defendant acted with criminal intent, which could also exculpate certain edge cases. Matt Ford, The New Republic, 30 Mar. 2023 The effort to exculpate and vindicate him relies on misdirection and blame-shifting and is thoroughly unconvincing. Rich Lowry, National Review, 13 Nov. 2022 See All Example Sentences for exculpate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exculpate
Verb
  • Despite being acquitted of the most serious charges against him, Combs still potentially faces several years in federal prison.
    Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The offensive line -- playing with backups Cole Strange and Larry Borom on the right side -- acquitted itself nicely Monday.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • At some point, those charges will be dismissed, or Comey will be exonerated – having spent a million dollars to defend himself – and the world will move on to another distraction.
    Billy Ray, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
  • In 2009, new DNA evidence exonerated them, and all charges were dismissed.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exculpate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exculpate. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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