What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
acquitted
Example
The defendant was acquitted of all charges due to lack of evidence. [acquitted: past tense]
Example
After a thorough investigation, the employee was acquitted of any wrongdoing. [acquitted: adjective]
exonerated
Example
The DNA evidence exonerated the suspect and proved his innocence. [exonerated: past tense]
Example
The report exonerated the company from any wrongdoing in the environmental disaster. [exonerated: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Acquitted is more common than exonerated in legal contexts, but exonerated is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between acquitted and exonerated?
Both acquitted and exonerated are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts, such as legal proceedings or official reports.
