as in pardons
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 exonerations
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
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
Dozens of other prosecutors around America quickly followed in establishing conviction review units resulting in hundreds of exonerations.
—
John O’Hara,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2026
Florida has the highest number of death row exonerations in the nation, with 30.
—
Romy Ellenbogen,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
The Tribune found Chicago’s final costs to resolve claims in murder exonerations since 2010 averaged nearly $560,000 for each year the person was wrongfully imprisoned — and nearly $100,000 of that amount went to pay private lawyers.
—
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
District Attorney José Garza, who had pursued the exonerations with his Conviction Integrity Unit, apologized to the men and their families after the hearing.
—
Claire Lempert,
ABC News,
27 Feb. 2026
The anticipated exonerations could bring a new chapter to a case that has long raised questions about evidence, convictions and justice in Austin.
—
Jay Janner,
Austin American Statesman,
19 Feb. 2026
In Indiana, eyewitness misidentification was a factor in 22 out of 57 exonerations.
—
Kristine Phillips,
IndyStar,
26 Jan. 2026
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 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
Dozens of other prosecutors around America quickly followed in establishing conviction review units resulting in hundreds of exonerations.
—
John O’Hara,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2026
Florida has the highest number of death row exonerations in the nation, with 30.
—
Romy Ellenbogen,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
The Tribune found Chicago’s final costs to resolve claims in murder exonerations since 2010 averaged nearly $560,000 for each year the person was wrongfully imprisoned — and nearly $100,000 of that amount went to pay private lawyers.
—
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
District Attorney José Garza, who had pursued the exonerations with his Conviction Integrity Unit, apologized to the men and their families after the hearing.
—
Claire Lempert,
ABC News,
27 Feb. 2026
The anticipated exonerations could bring a new chapter to a case that has long raised questions about evidence, convictions and justice in Austin.
—
Jay Janner,
Austin American Statesman,
19 Feb. 2026
In Indiana, eyewitness misidentification was a factor in 22 out of 57 exonerations.
—
Kristine Phillips,
IndyStar,
26 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exonerations
Noun
-
Roman emperors, sometimes urged on by the crowd, were known to grant pardons (to criminals) and freedom (to the enslaved) after an especially noteworthy performance.
-
Trump issued mass pardons to Capitol rioters on his first day back in the White House last year.
Noun
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But lurking in the grasslands and forest clearings of at least two southeastern counties is a scaly intruder that state wildlife officials say poses a serious threat to native animals and crops alike.
-
This process occurs multiple times daily, but it is believed that during one of the clearings, a chlorine air bubble was released, which is atypical, waterpark staff told the fire department.
Noun
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According to Ghaemi, the IRGC’s intelligence agency has consolidated control over interrogations, detention centers, judges, and prosecutors, and the proof is in the lack of acquittals.
-
However, many cases where charges were brought against activists have been dismissed or resulted in acquittals.
Cite this Entry
“Exonerations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exonerations. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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