exonerate
To officially clear someone from blame or fault
Examples
In a meeting
“The audit exonerated the finance team of any wrongdoing.”
Over coffee
“The security footage exonerated him completely—he wasn't even there.”
Why this word
acquit
acquit is a legal term for a formal verdict of not guilty, while exonerate means to clear from blame or accusation more broadly
clear
clear is general and informal, while exonerate specifically means to officially absolve from blame or responsibility
absolve
absolve often implies forgiving a fault that existed, while exonerate means declaring someone was never at fault
Usage tip
Use when someone is officially cleared after being accused or suspected. More formal than 'clear' and implies a process of investigation.
Etymology
Latin 'exonerare' from 'ex-' (out) + 'onus' (burden)
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Related words
redress
Remedy or correct a wrong or grievance
vindicate
To clear from blame or prove to be right or justified
mitigate
To make something less severe, serious, or painful.
substantiate
To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of a claim.
alleviate
To make suffering, a problem, or a burden less severe.
circumvent
To find a way around an obstacle or restriction.