declare not guilty crossword – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "declare not guilty crossword"? You've come to the right place! Below you'll find all possible solutions, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to crack this clue and similar ones in the future.
Solutions for "declare not guilty crossword" by Letter Count
6 Letters
ACQUIT: To declare someone not guilty of a criminal charge.
7 Letters
ABSOLVE: To declare someone free from guilt, obligation, or punishment.
9 Letters
EXONERATE: To officially absolve someone from blame for a fault or wrongdoing, especially after reconsideration of the case.
More About "declare not guilty crossword"
The clue "declare not guilty" often points to terms related to legal proceedings, judgment, or moral clearance. In crosswords, it typically refers to the outcome of a trial where a person is found innocent of charges, or to a more general release from blame or responsibility. Understanding these nuances can help you distinguish between closely related synonyms.
Common answers like ACQUIT directly relate to a court verdict, while ABSOLVE and EXONERATE can have broader applications, including clearing someone's name from a past accusation or a moral stain. The specific letter count is usually the biggest hint to differentiate between these strong contenders. Always consider the context of the puzzle, as some clues might lean more towards a legal context, while others might imply a more general absolution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "declare not guilty," consider if the word implies a formal legal verdict (ACQUIT) or a more general clearing of blame (ABSOLVE, EXONERATE).
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters filled in, try to fit the most common answers first. The length is often the most critical differentiator.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: If you're stuck, think about what the opposite of "guilty" is, and then search for verbs that mean to make someone not guilty.
- Utilize Cross-References: Look at intersecting clues. Sometimes a tricky answer becomes obvious when you have more letters from another word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'ACQUIT' and 'EXONERATE' in crossword clues?
'ACQUIT' typically refers to a formal legal verdict of 'not guilty' in a court of law. 'EXONERATE' means to clear someone of blame or a charge, which can be a formal or informal process, often implying they were wrongly accused in the first place. Both lead to a declaration of not guilty.
Why might 'ABSOLVE' be an answer for 'declare not guilty'?
'ABSOLVE' means to declare someone free from guilt, blame, or responsibility. While often used in a religious or moral context, it also applies in a broader sense to freeing someone from wrongdoing, making it a valid synonym for 'declare not guilty' in many crossword contexts.
Are there other common legal terms used as answers for 'declare not guilty'?
While ACQUIT, ABSOLVE, and EXONERATE are the most common, other less frequent answers might include 'CLEAR' or 'VINDICATE' depending on the specific nuance and letter count required by the puzzle. Always consider the precise phrasing and surrounding letters.