What is the antonym of “impute”?
The antonyms of impute are absolve, exculpate, and exonerate. These words convey the opposite meaning of impute, which means to attribute responsibility or blame to someone.
Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To declare someone free from guilt, responsibility, or blame.
Example
The court absolved him of all charges after finding no evidence against him.
To clear someone from blame or fault; to prove someone's innocence.
Example
The new evidence presented in court helped to exculpate the defendant.
To officially declare someone not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing.
Example
The investigation exonerated him of all charges, and he was released from prison.
How are these antonyms different from each other?
- 1Absolve is often used in a religious context, where a person is forgiven for their sins.
- 2Exculpate is used when someone is cleared of blame or fault, often in a legal context.
- 3Exonerate is used when someone is declared not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing, often by an official authority.
Good things to know
- 1Legal Context: Use absolve, exculpate, and exonerate in legal proceedings to describe the outcome of a case.
- 2Moral Context: Use absolve in a religious context to describe forgiveness for sins.
- 3Everyday Context: Use these antonyms to describe situations where someone is cleared of blame or responsibility.