Exonerate: meaning, definitions and examples

This is used when someone is officially declared not guilty of a crime they were accused of. Often used in formal or legal contexts.

• The new evidence served to exonerate the man, freeing him from a lifetime in prison.
• After a thorough investigation, the committee decided to exonerate the accused individuals.

Typically used in legal contexts when a court or jury finds someone not guilty of a criminal charge.

• The jury acquitted the defendant of all charges.
• After a lengthy trial, he was acquitted and allowed to go free.

Commonly used in religious or moral settings to mean that someone is forgiven for their sins or wrongdoings.

• The priest absolved the sinner during confession.
• She felt relieved after being absolved of her past mistakes.

Used to show that someone's actions or decisions were justified, often used after a period of doubt or criticism. Can also be used in a legal context.

• Her alibi vindicated her, proving she was nowhere near the crime scene.
• After years of criticism, the scientist was finally vindicated when other researchers confirmed his theories.

Use 'exonerate' when someone is officially and formally declared not guilty after being suspected or accused of a wrongdoing. It often involves a judicial or authoritative review.

• The new evidence exonerated him from the charges.
• After a thorough investigation, she was exonerated of all allegations.

'Clear' is a more general term that can be applied in both informal and formal situations. It means to remove doubt or suspicion from someone regarding any accusations.

• The CCTV footage cleared him of theft allegations.
• Her good alibi cleared her of any involvement in the incident.

'Absolve' is often used in a moral or religious context. It means to forgive someone for their sins or wrongdoings and declare that they are free from guilt or blame.

• The priest absolved the sinner after confession.
• She was absolved of her mistakes by her generous boss.

'Vindicate' is used when someone is proven right or justified, especially after being doubted by others. It carries a sense of being shown to be in the right after a period of suspicion or criticism.

• The discovery of the truth vindicated her stance on the matter.
• He felt vindicated after the real culprit confessed.