Meaning & use
exonerated
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“exonerated” is a form of “exonerate”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
adjectiveafter a verblegal
Officially cleared of blame, guilt, or suspicion after investigation or new evidence.
Grammar: Frequently follows be: he was exonerated; it can also precede a noun: an exonerated defendant.
Patterns
- exonerated of something
- exonerated after new evidence
- fully exonerated
DNA tests exonerated him after twelve years in prison.
The review board said the officer was exonerated of misconduct.
She described herself as exonerated, not merely acquitted.
Common combinations
- exonerated of blame
- The auditor was exonerated of blame for the error.
- fully exonerated
- New documents left the researcher fully exonerated.
- exonerated after DNA evidence
- The prisoner was exonerated after DNA evidence identified another man.
Synonyms and how they differ
- acquitted
- Means found not guilty at trial, often because proof was insufficient; exonerated suggests stronger clearing of blame.
- vindicated
- Emphasizes being proved right after doubt or criticism; less strictly legal than exonerated.
- cleared
- Everyday and broader, used for suspects, names, or records without the same formal force.
- absolved
- Removes blame or guilt, often moral or religious, rather than proving innocence in court.
Opposites
Word family
- exonerate verb
- To clear someone of blame or guilt officially.
- exoneration noun
- The act or result of being officially cleared.
- exonerating adjective
- Providing evidence that clears someone of blame.
Commonly confused: exonerated or acquitted?
exonerated vs acquitted
Acquitted means a court found the evidence did not prove guilt; exonerated often means evidence affirmatively shows innocence.
Practice
Which sentence uses exonerated most precisely?
Choose one answer.
Exonerated fits an official clearing, often with new evidence, of a specific charge. Option An is closer to acquittal; C and D use the word illogically.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “exonerated”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.