Synonyms of exonerate

exonerate

verb

ig-ˈzä-nə-ˌrāt 

as in to acquit

to free from a charge of wrongdoing

the results of the DNA fingerprinting finally exonerated the man, but only after he had wasted 10 years of his life in prison

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb exonerate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of exonerate are absolve, acquit, exculpate, and vindicate. While all these words mean "to free from a charge," exonerate implies a complete clearance from an accusation or charge and from any attendant suspicion of blame or guilt.

exonerated by the investigation

When could absolve be used to replace exonerate?

In some situations, the words absolve and exonerate 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

In what contexts can acquit take the place of exonerate?

Although the words acquit and exonerate have much in common, acquit implies a formal decision in one's favor with respect to a definite charge.

voted to acquit the defendant

When is it sensible to use exculpate instead of exonerate?

The meanings of exculpate and exonerate largely overlap; however, exculpate implies a clearing from blame or fault often in a matter of small importance.

exculpating himself from the charge of overenthusiasm

When would vindicate be a good substitute for exonerate?

The synonyms vindicate and exonerate 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 exonerate

An ex-Marine charged with murder in the death of his girlfriend at an Allied Gardens apartment nearly a decade ago will get a new hearing to determine whether his case will head to trial because prosecutors didn’t turn over evidence that his attorneys claim could exonerate him. —City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025

Hunt was later exonerated and released from prison following DNA evidence and a confession from the man who had committed the crimes. —Maia Nehme, Charlotte Observer, 29 July 2025

Thirty people on death row in Florida have been exonerated, far more than any other state. —Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 July 2025

Six were found to be sustained, seven were deemed unfounded, five were not sustained, and one was exonerated. —Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 27 July 2025

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