Definitions and Examples of exonerate, absolve, vindicate
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To clear someone of blame or wrongdoing; to prove their innocence.
Example
The DNA evidence helped exonerate the suspect and proved that he was not at the crime scene.
To declare someone free from guilt or responsibility; to forgive or pardon.
Example
The priest absolved him of his sins and gave him penance to do.
vindicate
To clear someone's name or reputation from suspicion or doubt; to prove their innocence or correctness.
Example
The new evidence vindicated the scientist's theory and proved that he was right all along.
Key Differences: exonerate vs absolve vs vindicate
- 1Exonerate implies clearing someone of blame or wrongdoing, often through evidence or proof.
- 2Absolve implies forgiving or pardoning someone for their actions, regardless of whether they were guilty or not.
- 3Vindicate implies proving someone's innocence or correctness, often after they have been doubted or criticized.
Effective Usage of exonerate, absolve, vindicate
- 1Legal Context: Use these antonyms in legal settings to describe the outcome of a trial or investigation.
- 2Personal Relationships: Use these antonyms to describe the resolution of conflicts or misunderstandings between people.
- 3Academic Writing: Incorporate these antonyms in essays or research papers to express contrasting ideas or arguments.
Remember this!
The antonyms of incriminate are exonerate, absolve, and vindicate. Use these words to describe the opposite of proving someone's guilt or involvement in a crime or wrongdoing. Each word has a distinct nuance: exonerate implies clearing someone of blame, absolve implies forgiveness, and vindicate implies proving someone's innocence or correctness. These antonyms can be used in legal contexts, personal relationships, and academic writing.
