Exonerated

Exonerated means to officially absolve someone from blame for a fault or wrongdoing, or to relieve them of a responsibility or obligation. It implies a formal declaration of innocence or the removal of suspicion, usually after a thorough investigation. The action suggests that the person has been proven not guilty and that the accusations against them were unfounded. This can apply to legal cases, moral failings, or perceived failures in one's duty or performance. The process of exoneration restores a person's reputation or removes a burden they were unfairly carrying.

Exonerated meaning with examples

• After a lengthy trial and presentation of new evidence, the defendant was exonerated of all charges related to the embezzlement. The courtroom erupted in cheers as the verdict was read, and his family rushed to embrace him. The defense team had successfully demonstrated that the evidence used against him was fabricated. He was finally able to reclaim his freedom after 3 years of uncertainty.
• The investigation cleared the CEO of any wrongdoing in the accounting scandal, ultimately exonerating him and confirming the board's initial trust. The thorough review of financial records found no evidence to link him to the fraudulent activities. Following the announcement, the company's stock price rose, reflecting renewed investor confidence. The focus then shifted to finding the real culprits.
• The whistleblower who brought the illegal activities to light was exonerated, with the company offering an official apology for their previous persecution. The investigation proved that the whistleblower had acted in good faith. The company was now obligated to re-evaluate its internal security measures to prevent similar events from happening in the future.
• The student, wrongly accused of plagiarism, was exonerated when the teacher realized she had been working on a collaborative project, which was an allowed activity. The teacher apologized for her mistake, and the student's academic record was cleared. Her reputation amongst her peers had already suffered.
• After the DNA evidence was confirmed and meticulously reviewed, the wrongly convicted man was exonerated after spending 20 years in prison. His initial conviction was based on flawed eyewitness testimony and circumstantial evidence. He was awarded compensation by the state for his wrongful imprisonment.