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 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 Examining Suzanne Morphew's body could either incriminate or exculpate her husband, prosecutors said. Erielle Reshef, ABC News, 15 May 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 The justices heard oral arguments on Tuesday morning in one case that could determine whether a death-row prisoner gets a chance to potentially exculpate himself through DNA testing. Matt Ford, The New Republic, 12 Oct. 2022 See All Example Sentences for exculpate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exculpate
Verb
  • Karen Read was acquitted Wednesday of the most serious charges in the 2022 death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe.
    Matt Schooley, CBS News, 19 June 2025
  • She was arrested, jailed - and ultimately acquitted last month.
    Lauren Frayer, NPR, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • The Union-Tribune previously reported that Howard had Hobbs draft a settlement that would exonerate Hobbs of his disciplinary history, clearing the way for his rehire.
    Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2025
  • The 1992 riots, which erupted after the four police officers on trial for beating King were exonerated, stretched on for several days and led to burnt down buildings, mass looting and the deaths of over 60 people, including several shot by police.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 10 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exculpate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exculpate. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.

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