What is the opposite of “convict”?

What is the antonym of “convict”?

The antonyms of convict are acquit and exonerate. The antonyms acquit and exonerate convey a sense of innocence or lack of guilt. They are used to describe a situation where someone is found not guilty of a crime.

Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

acquit

To find someone not guilty of a criminal charge.

Example

The jury decided to acquit the defendant due to lack of evidence.

exonerate

To clear someone of blame or suspicion for a wrongdoing.

Example

The investigation revealed new evidence that exonerated the suspect.

How are these antonyms different from each other?

• 1. Acquit is used specifically in the context of a criminal trial, where a jury or judge finds the defendant not guilty of a crime.
• 2. Exonerate is a broader term that can be used in any situation where someone is cleared of blame or suspicion, not just in a legal context.

Good things to know

• 1. Legal Context: Use acquit to describe a situation where a defendant is found not guilty in a criminal trial.
• 2. General Context: Use exonerate to describe a situation where someone is cleared of blame or suspicion, not necessarily in a legal context.

📌

Remember this!

The antonyms of convict are acquit and exonerate. Use acquit in a legal context to describe a situation where a defendant is found not guilty of a crime. Use exonerate in a general context to describe a situation where someone is cleared of blame or suspicion, not necessarily in a legal context.