exonerations

noun

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

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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 As a result, the number of exonerations nationwide increased from 25 in 1989 to 259 in 2022, according to the National Registry of Exonerations, a project operated by universities in Michigan and California. — Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 6 Aug. 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
  1. pardons
  2. clearings
  3. acquittals
Noun
  • The president has also drawn scrutiny for issuing pardons to people who have publicly supported him or have business ties to him, but his pardon power is separate from the DOJ.
    — Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The order granted full pardons to most people convicted of offenses related to the Capitol attack and directed the Justice Department to seek dismissal of pending cases.
    — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of pardons
Noun
  • Mass clearings claim the most trees Like past assessments, the survey found the overwhelming majority of Atlanta’s intact canopy — 72% — is on land zoned for single-family residential homes.
    — Drew Kann, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • But lurking in the grasslands and forest clearings of at least two southeastern counties is a scaly intruder that state wildlife officials say poses a serious threat to native animals and crops alike.
    — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 4 June 2026
Definition of clearings
Noun
  • 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
  • However, many cases where charges were brought against activists have been dismissed or resulted in acquittals.
    — Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 10 June 2026
Definition of acquittals

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exoneration
exonerations
exonerative
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Cite this Entry

“Exonerations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exonerations. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of exonerations for Spanish Speakers

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