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

Too many people have been sent to death row, only to be exonerated years later. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025

Sixteen people have been exonerated as a result of its investigations. —Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2025

From 1976 to 2015, 80% of the state’s capital sentences were reversed on appeal, and 12 people have been exonerated from its death row. —Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 12 May 2025

Judge Dugan will defend herself vigorously, and looks forward to being exonerated. —Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!