ABSOLVE Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'absolve' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of absolve are acquit , exculpate , exonerate , and vindicate . While all these words mean "to free from a charge," 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

Q: When might 'acquit' be a better fit than 'absolve'?

While in some cases nearly identical to absolve , acquit implies a formal decision in one's favor with respect to a definite charge. // voted to acquit the defendant

Q: When is 'exculpate' a more appropriate choice than 'absolve'?

The words exculpate and absolve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exculpate implies a clearing from blame or fault often in a matter of small importance. // exculpating himself from the charge of overenthusiasm

Q: When could 'exonerate' be used to replace 'absolve'?

Although the words exonerate and absolve have much in common, exonerate implies a complete clearance from an accusation or charge and from any attendant suspicion of blame or guilt. // exonerated by the investigation

Q: When is it sensible to use 'vindicate' instead of 'absolve'?

The meanings of vindicate and absolve largely overlap; however, 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

absolve

verb

əb-ˈzälv

Definition of absolve next

as in to acquit

to free from a charge of wrongdoing no amount of remorse will absolve shoplifters who are caught, and all cases will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law

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How does the verb absolve differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of absolve are acquit, exculpate, exonerate, and vindicate. While all these words mean "to free from a charge," 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

When might acquit be a better fit than absolve?

While in some cases nearly identical to absolve, acquit implies a formal decision in one's favor with respect to a definite charge.

voted to acquit the defendant

When is exculpate a more appropriate choice than absolve?

The words exculpate and absolve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exculpate implies a clearing from blame or fault often in a matter of small importance.

exculpating himself from the charge of overenthusiasm

When could exonerate be used to replace absolve?

Although the words exonerate and absolve have much in common, exonerate implies a complete clearance from an accusation or charge and from any attendant suspicion of blame or guilt.

exonerated by the investigation

When is it sensible to use vindicate instead of absolve?

The meanings of vindicate and absolve largely overlap; however, 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

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Recent Examples of absolve Only 15% of the $3 million in damages to the Capitol complex was recovered through restitution payments by Capitol riot defendants when the president issued the widespread pardons, absolving further payments. —

June 17, CBS News, 17 June 2025 Lucas changed the scene in a future edit so that Greedo shot first, absolving Han of wrongdoing. —

Zack Sharf, Variety, 13 June 2025 In the case of Scott Jenkins, a former Culpeper County, Virginia, sheriff who was convicted by a jury for a bribery scheme, the report said a $600 fine payment was absolved by the pardon. —

June 17, CBS News, 17 June 2025 The loss came one day after manager Dave Martinez absolved his coaches from any blame for the team’s recent struggles, thereby appearing to put the onus on his players. —

Miami Herald, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for absolve

Recent Examples of Synonyms for absolve

acquit

Verb

As well, the players were acquitted of the very serious criminal charges.

— Eric Macramalla, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Brendon's mother, 21-year-old Sophie Staddon, was acquitted of a lesser charge of causing or allowing the death of a child, per the outlets.

— Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 24 July 2025

Definition of acquit

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absolutism

absolve

absolved

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“Absolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absolve. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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Last Updated: 28 Jul 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of absolve

verb

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