exculpate

verb

ˈek-(ˌ)skəl-ˌpāt How to pronounce exculpate (audio)
Definition of exculpatenext
as in to acquit
to free from a charge of wrongdoing I will present evidence that will exculpate my client

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the verb exculpate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of exculpate are absolve, acquit, exonerate, and vindicate. While all these words mean "to free from a charge," exculpate implies a clearing from blame or fault often in a matter of small importance.

exculpating himself from the charge of overenthusiasm

When can absolve be used instead of exculpate?

In some situations, the words absolve and exculpate 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

Where would acquit be a reasonable alternative to exculpate?

The meanings of acquit and exculpate largely overlap; however, acquit implies a formal decision in one's favor with respect to a definite charge.

voted to acquit the defendant

In what contexts can exonerate take the place of exculpate?

The words exonerate and exculpate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exonerate implies a complete clearance from an accusation or charge and from any attendant suspicion of blame or guilt.

exonerated by the investigation

When would vindicate be a good substitute for exculpate?

The synonyms vindicate and exculpate 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 exculpate The trustee is exculpated for following the director’s instructions. — Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 19 Feb. 2026 With an emotional openness that successors like Pallbearer and Spirit Adrift would take and run with, Walker exculpates what’s in his heart and sings it directly into the heart of the listener. — Brad Sanders, Pitchfork, 17 Jan. 2026 In a perverse circular logic, the crime itself can come to seem like the clearest evidence of the condition that is held up to exculpate the mother—and also like its own form of punishment. — Eren Orbey, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2024 The results of that closer analysis is what were released Monday — and still ultimately exculpated Cline. — Courtney Tanner, The Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Aug. 2023 See All Example Sentences for exculpate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exculpate
  1. acquit
  2. exonerate
Verb
  • Democrats have targeted Paxton, who is benefiting from millions in outside spending, over corruption claims and his impeachment by the Texas Legislature, though he was later acquitted.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner earlier in October said that Lewis was acquitted in a previous murder case, blaming police misconduct for the outcome.
    — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of acquit
Verb
  • Trying to exonerate herself, Erin lays out this confusing defense about how her makeup guy heard about Sai’s divorce at a beauty event.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Police questioned Mountbatten-Windsor for 11 hours before releasing him under investigation, meaning he was neither charged nor exonerated.
    — Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of exonerate

Browse Nearby Words

excruciations
exculpate
exculpated
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Cite this Entry

“Exculpate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exculpate. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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