exonerations

plural of exoneration
as in pardons
a setting free from a charge of wrongdoing the accused refused a plea bargain, asserting that he was innocent and would settle for nothing less than complete exoneration

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of exonerations Experts told me some prosecutors around the country were using the obscure plea as a tool to thwart exonerations. — Megan Rose, ProPublica, 9 Sep. 2026 The law isn’t perfect, raising several barriers to testing, but still, DNA evidence has featured in 17 of Florida’s 30 death row exonerations. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026 Although Simon has never been charged with a crime, many of her former cases are under review and more exonerations are expected, attorneys with the University of Michigan Innocence Clinic told CNN. — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2026 Dozens of other prosecutors around America quickly followed in establishing conviction review units resulting in hundreds of exonerations. — John O’Hara, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026 Florida has the highest number of death row exonerations in the nation, with 30. — Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026 The Tribune found Chicago’s final costs to resolve claims in murder exonerations since 2010 averaged nearly $560,000 for each year the person was wrongfully imprisoned — and nearly $100,000 of that amount went to pay private lawyers. — Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026 District Attorney José Garza, who had pursued the exonerations with his Conviction Integrity Unit, apologized to the men and their families after the hearing. — Claire Lempert, ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026 The anticipated exonerations could bring a new chapter to a case that has long raised questions about evidence, convictions and justice in Austin. — Jay Janner, Austin American Statesman, 19 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exonerations
Noun
  • The agenda includes alleged funding and coordination behind complaints, disciplinary cases, pardons, and potential judicial remedies.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The official also highlighted pardons handed down by Biden, including for his son Hunter and other family members.
    — Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The path was lined with stone steps and gorgeous clearings overlooking the water.
    — ElleAnna Revell, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
  • In very cold temperatures, elk may linger longer in clearings.
    — Jim Zumbo, Outdoor Life, 10 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In its latest ruling, the appeals court did not enter acquittals.
    — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2026
  • According to Ghaemi, the IRGC’s intelligence agency has consolidated control over interrogations, detention centers, judges, and prosecutors, and the proof is in the lack of acquittals.
    — Laura Secor, The Atlantic, 16 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exonerations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exonerations. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!