as in pardon
a setting free from a charge of wrongdoing
the accused refused a plea bargain, asserting that he was innocent and would settle for nothing less than complete exoneration
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Recent Examples of exoneration
The story was based on an inconclusive, preliminary finding by ballistics experts and led to speculation about Robinson’s possible exoneration.
—
Matthew Brown, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
The story was based on an inconclusive, preliminary finding by ballistics experts and led to speculation about Robinson's possible exoneration.
—ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
The organization previously helped secure Yarris’ exoneration.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026
The exoneration comes 15 years after he was released from prison.
—Jennifer Bisram, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Florida has the highest number of death row exonerations in the nation, with 30.
—Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
As a trial judge, he was known for emphasizing rehabilitation and alternative sentencing and presided over proceedings that led to the posthumous exoneration of Tim Cole.
—Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 2026
The country had yet to hold the first Marcos to account for plunder and human-rights abuses, and this election seemed an exoneration of both his and Rodrigo Duterte’s sins.
—Sheila Coronel, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Mejia was not released at the conclusion of the exoneration hearing because of an immigration hold stemming from her conviction.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 10 Mar. 2026
Matthew Brown, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
The story was based on an inconclusive, preliminary finding by ballistics experts and led to speculation about Robinson's possible exoneration.
—ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
The organization previously helped secure Yarris’ exoneration.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026
The exoneration comes 15 years after he was released from prison.
—Jennifer Bisram, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Florida has the highest number of death row exonerations in the nation, with 30.
—Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
As a trial judge, he was known for emphasizing rehabilitation and alternative sentencing and presided over proceedings that led to the posthumous exoneration of Tim Cole.
—Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 2026
The country had yet to hold the first Marcos to account for plunder and human-rights abuses, and this election seemed an exoneration of both his and Rodrigo Duterte’s sins.
—Sheila Coronel, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Mejia was not released at the conclusion of the exoneration hearing because of an immigration hold stemming from her conviction.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 10 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exoneration
Noun
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In 2013, Queen Elizabeth granted Turing a posthumous royal pardon and Turing's image is now featured on the Bank of England's £ 50 note.—
Courtney Cole,
CBS News,
13 Apr. 2026
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The Cuban government announced the pardon of 2,000 prisoners earlier this month, but human-rights organizations said no political prisoners have been released so far.—
Nora Gámez Torres,
Miami Herald,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
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If the first season was about grief, and the second about forgiveness, this latest chapter is about moving forward, and no character embodies that struggle more profoundly than Paul.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
14 Apr. 2026
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And while the on-screen action is champagne for the senses, irrepressibly bubbly and bright, its themes are on the serious side, dabbling in desperation, reinvention, and forgiveness.—
Debby Wolfinsohn,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Jennie Murphy, who said her home only suffered minor damage, was out in her neighbor's yard clearing debris.—
Conor Wight,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Nazarian said the property owner will be billed for clearing and cleaning the lot.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Prior to closing arguments, Hunter’s other lawyer, Eben Self, motioned for an acquittal by arguing there was no evidence Green was even killed in Orange County, which Chief Circuit Judge Lisa Munyon quickly denied.—
Cristóbal Reyes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Apr. 2026
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In this case, it is alleged that these defendants thought the road to acquittal was the elimination of a witness.—
Joseph Buczek,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Vinyl vindication The event comes as spending on vinyl continues to climb, even as streaming has become the dominant format for music listening.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2026
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As such, the museum serves as a space of historical vindication for an artist who struggled, rock hammer in hand, against mountainous odds.—
Tyehimba Jess,
ARTnews.com,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exoneration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exoneration. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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