declare guiltless crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "declare guiltless" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you understand the nuances of each word and complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "declare guiltless crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
ACQUIT: To free (someone) from a criminal charge by a verdict of not guilty. This is a common legal term.
7 Letters
ABSOLVE: To declare (someone) free from guilt, obligation, or punishment. This word often has a moral or religious connotation, in addition to legal contexts.
9 Letters
EXONERATE: To clear (someone, especially of a charge or accusation) from blame or wrongdoing. This word is frequently used when someone was falsely accused or wrongly implicated, and new evidence or investigation proves their innocence.
More About "declare guiltless crossword clue"
The clue "declare guiltless" touches upon legal and ethical concepts crucial in many societies. Words like ACQUIT, ABSOLVE, and EXONERATE are key terms in discussions of justice, accountability, and forgiveness. While they share a common core meaning of clearing someone from blame, their specific applications can differ significantly, particularly in formal legal proceedings versus broader moral contexts.
Understanding these distinctions is not only useful for crosswords but also for comprehending legal news and ethical debates. For instance, 'acquittal' is a formal court judgment, whereas 'exoneration' might come from an investigation or a public clearing of a name, and 'absolution' can involve moral or spiritual forgiveness. Crossword setters often play on these subtle differences, making it imperative for solvers to consider the exact context implied by the clue.
This type of clue emphasizes the power of language and how precise word choices can convey very specific meanings, a hallmark of well-crafted crossword puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: For clues like "declare guiltless," consider the likely context. Is it a legal drama? A religious ceremony? This can help you choose between synonyms like ACQUIT, ABSOLVE, or EXONERATE.
- Letter Count is Your Best Friend: Always prioritize the letter count when you have multiple potential answers. It immediately narrows down your options and helps eliminate incorrect words.
- Check Surrounding Letters: Once you have a potential answer, plug it in and see if the letters fit with intersecting words. This is often the quickest way to confirm if you're on the right track.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: If a direct answer doesn't come to mind, consider synonyms of the clue's core words, or even antonyms that might lead you to a relevant concept.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'ACQUIT' and 'EXONERATE' in legal terms?
While both imply being cleared, 'ACQUIT' specifically refers to a legal verdict of 'not guilty' in a criminal trial. 'EXONERATE' is broader and means to clear someone from blame or wrongdoing, often implying that they were falsely accused or that new evidence proves their innocence. It doesn't necessarily require a trial verdict.
Why do crosswords often use legal or formal language?
Crossword puzzles frequently draw from a wide range of vocabulary, including formal, archaic, or specialized terms. Legal language is precise and often has multiple synonyms with subtle differences, making it ideal for crafting challenging yet solvable clues. It tests a solver's knowledge of precise definitions and nuances of language.
Can 'PARDON' be an answer for 'declare guiltless'?
Not quite. While a 'PARDON' grants legal forgiveness for a crime, it doesn't declare someone guiltless. Instead, it assumes guilt but removes the penalty. The clue 'declare guiltless' specifically seeks words that assert innocence, not just remove punishment.