exonerate

verb

ig-ˈzä-nə-ˌrāt How to pronounce exonerate (audio)
Definition of exoneratenext
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

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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 Pfeiffer said 360 Clinic plans to meet with county health care officials to discuss the findings with an eye toward exonerating the company. —Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 17 June 2025 Our government is led by a serial liar who has shown how acts of violence in support of him will be forgiven and exonerated. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2025 Gillispie was released from prison in 2011, exonerated in 2017 and declared wrongfully imprisoned in 2021. —Laura A. Bischoff, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 The former series has historically opened its doors to paroled and exonerated convicts (and even those with time served), from fraudstress Anna Delvey (season 33), to rapper Lil' Kim (season 8) to Real Housewife and tax evader Teresa Guidice (season 31). —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for exonerate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exonerate
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

Browse Nearby Words

ex officio
exonerate
exonerated
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“Exonerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exonerate. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of exonerate for Spanish Speakers

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