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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 William Kunstler, the lawyer who had tried to exonerate the two men wrongfully convicted of killing Malcolm, was cast as the Boston judge who sentences Malcolm to prison. CBS News, 2 May 2025 Unlike the burden of proof — which pressures others to produce impossible evidence — the appeal to ignorance shuts down the conversation by pretending that not having definitive proof is the same thing as being exonerated. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 This, of course, means that Nicky and Chloe now have the problem of covering up her involvement in the murder, of which their son had just been exonerated. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 30 May 2025 Shortly after being exonerated, Knox met Robinson, and the couple quietly wed in 2018. Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for exonerate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exonerate
acquit
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

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Exonerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exonerate. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on exonerate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!