| Main Entry: | |
| Part of Speech: | verb |
| Definition: | announce removal of blame |
| Synonyms: | absolve, blink at, clear, deliver, discharge, disculpate, exculpate, excuse, exonerate, free, let go, let off, let off the hook, liberate, release, relieve, vindicate, whitewash, wink at, wipe off |
| Notes: | one is absolved of blame or responsibility but is acquitted of a charge, usually a crime |
| Antonyms: | blame, censure, condemn, convict, damn, denounce, doom, sentence |
| Main Entry: | exculpate |
| Part of Speech: | verb |
| Definition: | forgive |
| Synonyms: | absolve, acquit, amnesty, clear, condone, discharge, disculpate, dismiss, excuse, exonerate, explain, free, justify, let off, pardon, rationalize, release, remit, vindicate, wipe slate clean |
| Notes: | to exculpate is 'to free from accusation or blame' while exonerate is literally 'to free from a burden' |
| Antonyms: | blame, condemn, sentence |
| Main Entry: | vindicate |
| Part of Speech: | verb |
| Definition: | prove one's innocence |
| Synonyms: | absolve, acquit, advocate, argue, assert, bear out, claim, clear, confute, contend, corroborate, defend, disculpate, disprove, do justice to, establish, exculpate, excuse, exonerate, extenuate, free, free from blame, guard, justify, maintain, plead for, protect, prove, rationalize, refute, rehabilitate, second, shield, substantiate, support, uphold, warrant, whitewash |
| Antonyms: | accuse, blame, convict, punish, sentence |