exculpating
Proving someone innocent
Exculpating is clearing someone of blame or proving them not guilty.
The word implies that suspicion or accusation existed first: New evidence emerged exculpating the defendant.
Unlike simply declaring innocence, exculpating suggests removing guilt that had been attributed, often through proof or argument.
Formal clearing of charges
- verdictOfficial court decision
- not guiltyCleared of charges
- defenseProtection against harm
- alibiDefense of location
testimony · evidence · witness · trial · courtroom · judge · jury · dismissal
Official clearing of blame
- clearingTreeless space in forest
- absolutionFormal clearing of guilt
- pardonOfficial release from punishment
- reprievePostponement of punishment
amnesty · clemency · release · freedom · relief · restoration · rehabilitation · charges dropped
Free of wrongdoing
- guiltlessNot at fault
- unblemishedFree from any defect
- untaintedFree from contamination
- clearWithout obstruction or fog
uninvolved · unimpeachable · irreproachable · misidentified · vindicated · absolved · exonerated · spotless record
Stated basis for action
- explanationStatement making something clear
- alibiDefense of location
- excuseOffered reason for wrongdoing
- groundsBasis for justification
reasoning · account · substantiation · evidence · clarification · self-defense · necessity · duress
acquittal
Formal clearing of charges
- verdictOfficial court decision
- not guiltyCleared of charges
- defenseProtection against harm
alibi · testimony · evidence · witness · trial · courtroom · judge · jury · dismissal · cleared
exoneration
Official clearing of blame
- clearingTreeless space in forest
- absolutionFormal clearing of guilt
- pardonOfficial release from punishment
reprieve · amnesty · clemency · release · freedom · relief · restoration · rehabilitation · charges dropped · case dismissed
blameless
Free of wrongdoing
- guiltlessNot at fault
- unblemishedFree from any defect
- untaintedFree from contamination
clear · uninvolved · unimpeachable · irreproachable · misidentified · vindicated · absolved · exonerated · spotless record · clean hands
rationale
Stated basis for action
- explanationStatement making something clear
- alibiDefense of location
- excuseOffered reason for wrongdoing
grounds · reasoning · account · substantiation · evidence · clarification · self-defense · necessity · duress · mitigating circumstances
exculpatingincriminating
Proving guilt or wrongdoing
condemning · blaming · inculpating · convicting · accusing