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 law isn’t perfect, raising several barriers to testing, but still, DNA evidence has featured in 17 of Florida’s 30 death row exonerations.
—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Despite Clark’s exoneration and the multimillion-dollar award, Warford’s killing remains unsolved, and no one has been convicted in the case.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
Administrative complaints start the process toward discipline or exoneration by the state Board of Medicine.
—David J. Neal
may 6, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
Although Simon has never been charged with a crime, many of her former cases are under review and more exonerations are expected, attorneys with the University of Michigan Innocence Clinic told CNN.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2026
The organization previously helped secure Yarris' exoneration.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
Under the new district attorney, Ken Thompson, Brooklyn became the pioneer in conviction review, leading to more than three dozen exonerations.
—John O’Hara, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
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
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Despite Clark’s exoneration and the multimillion-dollar award, Warford’s killing remains unsolved, and no one has been convicted in the case.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
Administrative complaints start the process toward discipline or exoneration by the state Board of Medicine.
—David J. Neal
may 6, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
Although Simon has never been charged with a crime, many of her former cases are under review and more exonerations are expected, attorneys with the University of Michigan Innocence Clinic told CNN.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2026
The organization previously helped secure Yarris' exoneration.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
Under the new district attorney, Ken Thompson, Brooklyn became the pioneer in conviction review, leading to more than three dozen exonerations.
—John O’Hara, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exoneration
Noun
-
John Oliver‘s Last Week Tonight last night went deep on Donald Trump‘s use of presidential pardon power.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
1 June 2026
-
If the goal of pardons is to allow supporters, political allies, or family members and friends to walk away from the consequences of their actions, conditional pardons will not be adopted.—
Robert Radick,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
Then-Bruins head coach Pat Burns had little forgiveness for a young Thornton’s poor defensive habits and lack of physicality.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
-
They'll be locked into standard payment plans, which can mean higher monthly payments without any chance of forgiveness.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
The painstaking work of clearing depots has ground to a halt, overtaken by a more volatile reality.—
Euan Ward,
New Yorker,
29 May 2026
-
After a walk to Dylan Duran, Poindexter came up with the bases loaded and two out and lined a bags-clearing double to the wall in left-center field to push the lead to 12-0.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
But when a mysterious stranger begins blackmailing Neve, she is forced to compromise every legal, moral, and ethical obligation to gain an acquittal — or else risk her dark secrets being exposed.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
27 May 2026
-
But they were subsequently granted an acquittal by Chen.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 May 2026
Noun
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The Knicks’ recent success and the possibility of a championship this year are perhaps Dolan’s long overdue vindication.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
28 May 2026
-
Two reversals and a vindication For the OpenAI CEO, his comments walk back his prophecy on AI’s impact on labor.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
26 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exoneration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exoneration. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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