Synonyms of exculpate

exculpate

verb

ˈek-(ˌ)skəl-ˌpāt 

as in to acquit

to free from a charge of wrongdoing

I will present evidence that will exculpate my client

Synonyms & Similar Words

• acquit
• exonerate
• absolve
• vindicate
• clear
• forgive
• release
• liberate
• redeem
• excuse
• atone (for)
• expiate
• condone
• discharge
• pardon
• avenge
• remit
• redress
• unburden
• whitewash
• revenge

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incriminate
• accuse
• charge
• impeach
• indict
• criminate
• convict
• arraign

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

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

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