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exculpate

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of exculpate

to free from a charge of wrongdoing
  • I will present evidence that will exculpate my client.
Synonyms of exculpate

absolve, acquit, clear, exonerate, vindicate
Words Related to exculpate

atone (for), expiate

discharge, liberate, redeem, release, unburden

condone, excuse, whitewash

forgive, pardon, remit

avenge, redress, revenge
Near Antonyms of exculpate

accuse, arraign, charge, impeach, indict

convict
Antonyms of exculpate

criminate, incriminate

Synonym Discussion of exculpate

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 exculpate

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

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