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
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
For the better part of a decade, Illinois led the nation in annual exonerations until it was surpassed by Texas in 2024, according to the National Registry of Exonerations.
—Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
After enduring a media firestorm, multiple convictions and exonerations, countless interviews and publishing memoirs, Knox is once again sharing her story in Hulu’s The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
False confessions were found in 13% of exonerations.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
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
For the better part of a decade, Illinois led the nation in annual exonerations until it was surpassed by Texas in 2024, according to the National Registry of Exonerations.
—Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
After enduring a media firestorm, multiple convictions and exonerations, countless interviews and publishing memoirs, Knox is once again sharing her story in Hulu’s The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
False confessions were found in 13% of exonerations.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exonerations
Noun
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Not everyone who posts will end up behind bars and many cases end with pardons.—
Mohammed Sergie,
semafor.com,
12 Mar. 2026
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About 15 of the 22 people on the list had sought pardons, and six were engaged in litigation, the official said.—
Jaclyn Diaz,
NPR,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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During clearings, city officials said outreach services to connect individuals to housing and mental health resources will persist.—
Caroline Silva,
AJC.com,
7 Mar. 2026
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With its massive shelter investment, San Jose has ramped up encampment clearings and tried to reset expectations that unhoused residents cannot choose to camp on public streets or property when there is available shelter.—
Devan Patel,
Mercury News,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But in other court districts where cases are further along, many have been tossed by judges or resulted in acquittals.—
Isabelle Chapman,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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Six have gone to trial, including five for assault on a federal officer, and all have resulted in acquittals.—
Brittny Mejia,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exonerations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exonerations. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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