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
-
The founder of Binance, Changpeng Zhao, who obtained a pardon from the President, reportedly helped develop a stablecoin launched by World Liberty Financial.—
Ben Weiss,
Fortune,
4 May 2026
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That's weeks before the Board of Pardons has its next meeting in June, which is when At Chandee's pardon could be made official.—
Jeff Wagner,
CBS News,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
At the end of regret-flow plotlines, husbands tend to beg their wives for forgiveness by dropping to their knees.—
Chang Che,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2026
-
In South Texas, blood runs deeper, forgiveness is fleeting, and the cost of survival might just be your soul, per the logline.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The rain will gradually taper off midday Monday, followed by clearing and cooler weather Monday evening into Tuesday.—
Steven Sosna,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
-
Consider the standoff, the protests, and the ultimate clearing of the homeless camp at Echo Park Lake a few years back.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
The day after Valle's July 9, 2025, acquittal on the most serious charges, the state filed new reckless manslaughter and reckless assault charges.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
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The ruling also revived testimony from an art dealer whose statements had helped Kim win acquittal in the lower court.—
Daniel Cassady,
ARTnews.com,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Just a handful of states are not part of the compact and Operation Nightingale may serve as some vindication for the holdouts.—
Annie Martin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 May 2026
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Although some Republicans appear to still be seeking vindication, Democrats are convinced the probe itself is a threat to future elections.—
Caleb Groves,
AJC.com,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exoneration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exoneration. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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