exoneration
Americannoun
-
the act of clearing someone of blame or of an accusation or criminal charge.
I would like to highlight the importance of not only the release, but also the exoneration of political prisoners.
-
the act of relieving someone of an obligation or duty.
The granting of tax exemptions and exonerations is one of the most common types of influence peddling used by corrupt regimes.
Etymology
Origin of exoneration
First recorded in 1550–60; from Latin exonerātiōn-, stem of exonerātiō “an unburdening, discharging,” equivalent to exonerāt(us) + -iō -ion ( def. ); see exonerate ( def. )
Vocabulary lists containing exoneration
2015 National Spelling Bee Words
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates wins the National Book Award
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That argument is different from pleading not guilty by reason of insanity, which typically seeks exoneration and a punishment that includes a psychiatric facility rather than prison.
From BBC ● Jun. 19, 2026
But the U.S. attorney’s office didn’t issue a public exoneration, and officials suggested they could restart the investigation at any time.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 3, 2026
A mistake or exoneration may get documented, but those reports never completely go away.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 6, 2025
But the sheer number of Spacey’s accusers suggests that his acquittal was hardly an exoneration.
From Salon ● Oct. 20, 2025
Although most of the credit for my exoneration must be given to Dr. Aurelius, who apparently earned his naps by presenting me as a hopeless, shell-shocked lunatic.
From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
