ˈek(ˌ)skəlˌpāt, ekˈs-, ikˈs-, usu -ād.+V transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Medieval Latin exculpatus, past participle of exculpare, from Latin ex- ex- (I) + culpare to blame — more at culpable
: to clear from alleged fault or guilt : prove to be guiltless
the court exculpated him after a thorough investigation
specifically exculpates all countries from any special responsibility for bringing on the catastrophe — Saturday Review
Synonyms:
absolve , exonerate , acquit , vindicate : exculpate indicates a freeing from blame, fault, or guilt, especially fault or guilt with blameworthy intent
directly Harding was blameless for what was going on. Indirectly he cannot be wholly exculpated — S.H.Adams
absolve indicates a releasing either from charges or suspicions of guilt or from consequences or responsibilities of guilt, often unconfessed guilt
society was at least good-natured and was inclined to take the view that if a fellow had faced his punishment and taken it he was pretty well absolved — F.M.Ford
since the emperor was willing to make the necessary promises, however, he as a priest was bound to absolve the contrite sinner — M.W.Baldwin
exonerate may imply complete clearance not only from an immediate charge or accusation but from suspicious or attendant denigration
he was subsequently tried for murder, but was completely exonerated by the testimony of his crew and passengers, who testified that the ship was in deadly peril of seizure by mutineers — C.C.Cutler
acquit may apply to a formal decision freeing one from a charge
at his trial the next year he was acquitted of dishonesty, although his reputation for intelligence suffered — Louise P. Kellogg
vindicate may apply to the eventual demonstration by subsequent developments of freedom from guilt, dishonor, wrong, folly, or weakness
both his knowledge and his honesty were vindicated when the river was discovered — G.R.Stewart
then came the fatal letter, the desolating letter, which vindicated Constance's dark apprehensions — Arnold Bennett
vindicating the old adage about great minds — Ring Lardner