exonerate
verb C2
Plain meaning
to officially say that someone is not guilty or not responsible
Exam-register meaning
to clear a person or institution from blame after investigation or evidence review
In context
generalThe video evidence helped exonerate the driver.
examIndependent investigations can exonerate public officials when allegations are unsupported by evidence.
Common collocations
exonerate someonefully exoneratedevidence exonerated
Watch out
Do not confuse it with 'pardon'. A pardon forgives guilt; exoneration says the person was not guilty/responsible.
Word family
exoneration (noun)exonerated (adjective/participle)