exculpatory

adjective

ex·cul·pa·to·ry ek-ˈskəl-pə-ˌtȯr-ē

Synonyms of exculpatory next

: tending or serving to exculpate

Did you know?

No one will blame you for having questions about the origins of exculpatory. The adjective comes from a combination of the prefix ex-, meaning "out of" or "away from," and the Latin noun culpa, which means "blame" or "guilt." Something exculpatory, then, frees one from accusations. Culpa has given English a number of other words, including the verb exculpate ("to clear from alleged fault or guilt"). The related but lesser-known terms inculpate ("to incriminate") and inculpatory ("incriminating") are antonyms of exculpate and exculpatory. Culpable is a synonym of blameworthy, and mea culpa refers to a formal acknowledgment of personal fault or error.

Examples of exculpatory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

An investigation found the FBI and New York Police Department withheld potentially exculpatory evidence at trial. —

Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024 His case was dismissed mid-trial after the judge found that the prosecution had withheld exculpatory evidence from the defense. —

Stephanie Giang-Paunon, Fox News, 3 Oct. 2024 The judge that vacated the conviction said prosecutors during his murder trial two decades ago improperly withheld exculpatory evidence. —

Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 26 Oct. 2024 Parker informed federal prosecutors that Adams must be given certain disclosures and exculpatory evidence as pretrial proceedings commence, a process under what is known as the Brady doctrine. —

Jack Birle, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for exculpatory