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
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Recent Examples of exoneration
Mason, of course, gets him an exoneration.
—
Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026
Details about the preliminary finding spurred stories speculating about Robinson’s possible exoneration.
—ABC News, 12 June 2026
The first generation provided exoneration in an accident.
—James Morris, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
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
Dozens of other prosecutors around America quickly followed in establishing conviction review units resulting in hundreds of exonerations.
—John O’Hara, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026
Details about the preliminary finding spurred stories speculating about Robinson’s possible exoneration.
—ABC News, 12 June 2026
The first generation provided exoneration in an accident.
—James Morris, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
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
Dozens of other prosecutors around America quickly followed in establishing conviction review units resulting in hundreds of exonerations.
—John O’Hara, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exoneration
Noun
-
Sentenced to 15 years, she was freed in 2018 after obtaining a presidential pardon.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 June 2026
-
Roman emperors, sometimes urged on by the crowd, were known to grant pardons (to criminals) and freedom (to the enslaved) after an especially noteworthy performance.—
Cullen Murphy,
The Atlantic,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
For the past three years, Costa, Celeboglu and Simmonds developed the story and script to capture a young deaf girl’s authentic experience as the film examines themes including the complexity of love, violence and forgiveness.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
16 June 2026
-
During the interview, it was noted that society continues to grapple with questions surrounding accountability, forgiveness and whether public figures who have behaved badly should be welcomed back into people's lives.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
For Friday night, expect clearing skies, humidity levels dropping even further, and gusts between 20-30 mph.—
Matthew Villafane,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
-
Risks to supply recovery remain as hostilities in the region may resume, mine-clearing could delay the reopening of shipping lanes, or Iran could move to close the Strait again if nuclear talks stall, Goldman analysts said.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
Jurors leaned towards acquittal on the manslaughter and attempted manslaughter counts.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
12 June 2026
-
However, many cases where charges were brought against activists have been dismissed or resulted in acquittals.—
Jude Joffe-Block,
NPR,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
Both sides claimed vindication after the ruling, with Lively’s attorneys arguing the decision leaves open other avenues to pursue damages, while Baldoni’s lawyer emphasized that many of her original claims had been dismissed.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
-
The motivation for establishing Pointeworks is, for Williams, part creative and part vindication.—
Marcia Luttrell,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exoneration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exoneration. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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