Synonyms of exonerated

exonerated 1 of 2

adjective

as in acquitted

Related Words

• acquitted
• cleared
• absolved
• vindicated
• blameless
• guiltless
• irreproachable
• innocent
• faultless
• lily-white
• inculpable
• impeccable
• cleanhanded
• virtuous
• clear
• righteous
• moral
• ethical
• upright
• law-abiding

Dissimilar Words

• guilty
• culpable
• accused
• punishable
• convicted
• condemned
• impeachable
• blameworthy
• indictable
• blamable
• indicted
• censurable
• impeached
• shamefaced
• hangdog
• shamed

exonerated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of exonerate

as in absolved

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

• acquitted
• absolved
• vindicated
• cleared
• exculpated
• released
• liberated
• redeemed
• discharged
• pardoned
• excused
• atoned (for)
• expiated
• condoned
• forgave
• whitewashed
• remitted
• avenged
• revenged
• redressed
• unburdened

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• accused
• incriminated
• charged
• indicted
• impeached
• convicted
• arraigned
• criminated

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of exonerated

Adjective

There were other consequences for the city too – like the hefty settlement payments Detroit doled out to the exonerated men in Simon’s cases. — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2026

The film’s most tense and destabilizing sequence is a confrontational meeting between the exonerated men and Bishop. — Beandrea July, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026

There are post-release government resources for people exiting prison, but none tailored to the extraordinary circumstances of the exonerated — wronged by the legal system, in many cases over decades, and then suddenly put on the street with no preparation or plan for facing the outside world. — Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026

The civil rights counts against Buck Aldridge are not related to the fatal shooting of the exonerated man, Leonard Cure, whom Aldridge killed during a struggle after a traffic stop in 2023. — Phil Helsel, NBC news, 8 Aug. 2025

Verb

Newly exonerated, he's treated in some corners as a folk hero. — Jp Mangalindan, Time, 31 July 2026

After Angela was arrested in January 2017 and pleaded guilty to all charges, Hadley was exonerated. — Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026

The board investigated 69 allegations in the complaints, finding that 13 were sustained, 14 were unsustained, 34 were unfounded, seven were exonerated and one where no finding was issued, according to the report. — Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 24 July 2026

Colloff and O’Meara talk about preparing for interviews, how thoughtful reportage can effect real change, and learning from the perspectives of incarcerated and exonerated people. — Longreads, 23 July 2026

He was exonerated in 2021 after DNA evidence and extensive AJC reporting shed new light on a 1985 double homicide near Brunswick. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 14 July 2026

Second, Northwestern assigned an ad hoc committee to investigate me; but, after six months of investigation, the committee exonerated me, recommended no punishment and affirmed my right to academic freedom. — Literary Hub, 14 July 2026

After he was exonerated, Dreyfus rejoined the French army and served in World War I. — Masha MacPherson, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026

Investigations by the state showed that none of the allegations were true; we were completely exonerated. — Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026