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

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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

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 exonerate The scan also helps to exonerate First Officer William Murdoch, who has been accused of abandoning his post. Jack Guy, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025 Since 1973, at least 200 innocent people have been exonerated due to wrongful convictions. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025 In the past three decades, the state has exonerated 11 people facing execution, among the highest such numbers in the country, according to The National Registry of Exonerations. Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 25 Apr. 2025 The five men, who are Black and Latino, were exonerated in 2002 after spending more than a decade in prison. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exonerate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exonerate
acquit
Verb
  • The eight Black Sox players were acquitted on Aug. 2, 1921, after the jury convened for a mere two hours, 47 minutes.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • In what became another shocking tale of luck, Combs was ultimately acquitted on all charges.
    Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exonerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exonerate. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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