as in pardon
a setting free from a charge of wrongdoing
the accused refused a plea bargain, asserting that he was innocent and would settle for nothing less than complete exoneration
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 exoneration
The law isn’t perfect, raising several barriers to testing, but still, DNA evidence has featured in 17 of Florida’s 30 death row exonerations.
—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Despite Clark’s exoneration and the multimillion-dollar award, Warford’s killing remains unsolved, and no one has been convicted in the case.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
Administrative complaints start the process toward discipline or exoneration by the state Board of Medicine.
—David J. Neal
may 6, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
Although Simon has never been charged with a crime, many of her former cases are under review and more exonerations are expected, attorneys with the University of Michigan Innocence Clinic told CNN.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2026
The organization previously helped secure Yarris' exoneration.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
Under the new district attorney, Ken Thompson, Brooklyn became the pioneer in conviction review, leading to more than three dozen exonerations.
—John O’Hara, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
The story was based on an inconclusive, preliminary finding by ballistics experts and led to speculation about Robinson’s possible exoneration.
—Matthew Brown, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
The story was based on an inconclusive, preliminary finding by ballistics experts and led to speculation about Robinson's possible exoneration.
—ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Despite Clark’s exoneration and the multimillion-dollar award, Warford’s killing remains unsolved, and no one has been convicted in the case.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
Administrative complaints start the process toward discipline or exoneration by the state Board of Medicine.
—David J. Neal
may 6, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
Although Simon has never been charged with a crime, many of her former cases are under review and more exonerations are expected, attorneys with the University of Michigan Innocence Clinic told CNN.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2026
The organization previously helped secure Yarris' exoneration.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
Under the new district attorney, Ken Thompson, Brooklyn became the pioneer in conviction review, leading to more than three dozen exonerations.
—John O’Hara, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
The story was based on an inconclusive, preliminary finding by ballistics experts and led to speculation about Robinson’s possible exoneration.
—Matthew Brown, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
The story was based on an inconclusive, preliminary finding by ballistics experts and led to speculation about Robinson's possible exoneration.
—ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exoneration
Noun
-
But his prosecution came to an abrupt halt in December 2023, when President Joe Biden granted him a pardon as part of a prisoner exchange deal negotiated with Maduro’s regime.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
18 May 2026
-
Trump issued a pardon to Peters in December that was considered symbolic, because a president doesn't have jurisdiction over state-level crimes.—
Bente Birkeland,
NPR,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
While hope on the horizon is presented, this rich, deeply moving drama doesn’t shy away from forgiveness being something that cannot be easily forced, even when the will may be there, however far buried.—
Josh Slater-Williams,
IndieWire,
19 May 2026
-
According to Panettiere, her mother instantly begged for forgiveness and tried to have the charges dropped, but to no avail.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
After joining the Guardians on a one-year, $900,000 contract, Brogdon appeared in just 15 games before being designated for assignment, clearing waivers and accepting an outright move to the Triple-A affiliate in Columbus.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
-
Given that neither Meta nor AI would rank high in a general popularity poll, the up-front announcement is something of a preemptive clearing of the decks.—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
In a rare move, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond concluded that trial attorneys hid evidence that might have led to an acquittal.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
The day after Valle's July 9, 2025, acquittal on the most serious charges, the state filed new reckless manslaughter and reckless assault charges.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Just a handful of states are not part of the compact and Operation Nightingale may serve as some vindication for the holdouts.—
Annie Martin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 May 2026
-
Although some Republicans appear to still be seeking vindication, Democrats are convinced the probe itself is a threat to future elections.—
Caleb Groves,
AJC.com,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exoneration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exoneration. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
