exoneration

American  

[ig-zon-uh-rey-shuhn] / ɪgˌzɒn əˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. 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.

2. 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.

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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. ); exonerate ( def. )

Example Sentences

As in other federal assault cases, bystander videos as well as police-camera and surveillance footage cast doubt on agents’ claims, in some cases leading to the exoneration of citizens.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

Elwood said Pollack truly believed Tankleff had been wrongly convicted and wanted to fight for his exoneration.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

Deen may be past the point of complete public exoneration, but at least she has integrity to help her sleep at night — no stone over the head required.

From Salon • Sep. 7, 2025

The spokesperson added: "We stand ready to annihilate Ms Pisciotta's tall tales before a jury − an exoneration so inevitable that even she, lost in her fog of fantasy, must surely see it coming."

From BBC • Jul. 24, 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

Related Words

• absolution