exonerated
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “exonerated” mean?
adjective.declared free from guilt or blame.
SAT Usage
the term is often used in contexts related to justice, legal proceedings, or moral dilemmas. It emphasizes a formal acknowledgment of innocence, highlighting themes of redemption and the importance of truth, distinguishing it from similar words like "pardoned," which implies forgiveness rather than a declaration of innocence.
Common Confusions
Exonerated implies a formal declaration of innocence, while pardoned usually suggests forgiveness for wrongdoing without necessarily affirming innocence.
Do not choose exonerated if the context emphasizes guilt or wrongdoing rather than being declared free from guilt or blame.
Example Sentences
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After new evidence emerged, he was fully exonerated of the crime.