# exonerate

/ɪɡˈzɑnɝˌeɪt/ (US) · /ɛɡzˈɒnəɹˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/exonerate
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

to prove that someone did not do something wrong and clear their name.

For teachers: to officially declare someone free from blame, fault, or criminal charge, typically after examination of evidence.

## Examples

- The court exonerates the man after new evidence appears.
- After DNA tests proved his innocence, the judge exonerated the prisoner after twenty years in jail.
- Although the official inquiry exonerated the captain of negligence, the loss of the ship continued to shadow his reputation for years.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object, often followed by 'from' for the charge or blame.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.