as in to acquit
to free from a charge of wrongdoing the results of the DNA fingerprinting finally exonerated the man, but only after he had wasted 10 years of his life in prison

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb exonerate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of exonerate are absolve, acquit, exculpate, and vindicate. While all these words mean "to free from a charge," exonerate implies a complete clearance from an accusation or charge and from any attendant suspicion of blame or guilt.

exonerated by the investigation

When could absolve be used to replace exonerate?

In some situations, the words absolve and exonerate are roughly equivalent. However, absolve implies a release either from an obligation that binds the conscience or from the consequences of disobeying the law or committing a sin.

cannot be absolved of blame

In what contexts can acquit take the place of exonerate?

Although the words acquit and exonerate have much in common, acquit implies a formal decision in one's favor with respect to a definite charge.

voted to acquit the defendant

When is it sensible to use exculpate instead of exonerate?

The meanings of exculpate and exonerate largely overlap; however, exculpate implies a clearing from blame or fault often in a matter of small importance.

exculpating himself from the charge of overenthusiasm

When would vindicate be a good substitute for exonerate?

The synonyms vindicate and exonerate are sometimes interchangeable, but vindicate may refer to things as well as persons that have been subjected to critical attack or imputation of guilt, weakness, or folly, and implies a clearing effected by proving the unfairness of such criticism or blame.

her judgment was vindicated

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of exonerate Flash forward to 2025, and all three of these formerly incarcerated people have been exonerated — Knox in 2015 after serving nearly four years, Lowery in 2003 after nine years, and Dillon in 2008 after 27 years. Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025 The study exonerates the city’s sewage treatment plant, while also noting weather patterns in the area worsen the problem. James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 May 2025 In 1990, Pilecki was exonerated posthumously and recognized for his wartime actions. Paul Hockenos, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 May 2025 The report did not accuse Trump of obstruction, but also did not exonerate the president. Dan Mangan, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exonerate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exonerate
acquit
Verb
  • The men were acquitted of murder charges, and only two were convicted of lesser offenses, according to the coalition.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 25 May 2025
  • Two defendants were acquitted on charges of complicity, though one was ordered to pay 5,000 euros to Kardashian and the concierge of her apartment building.
    J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 23 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Exonerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exonerate. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on exonerate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!