Words / C2

EKSK-ulp-ayt/ˈekskʌlpeɪt/

Exculpate means free from blame or declare not guilty: evidence exculpated the accused. Inculpate is the rare opposite (blame). Exonerate is a close synonym; acquit is the court verdict. Excuse can mean forgive a small fault — weaker.

Meaning

To declare someone not guilty, or to free them from blame (formal).

Examples

• “New evidence exculpated the accused.”
• “The footage helped to exculpate the driver.”
• “Nothing in the emails exculpates the board.”

Good to know

exculpate someone (formal). Court: acquit. Close: exonerate. Opposite rare: inculpate.

Near in meaning

exonerate

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