exonerate crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the "exonerate crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, organized by letter count, along with their precise meanings to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "exonerate crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
CLEAR: To free someone from accusation or suspicion of wrongdoing.
6 Letters
ACQUIT: To declare someone not guilty of a criminal offense.
7 Letters
ABSOLVE: To declare someone free from guilt, obligation, or punishment.
9 Letters
VINDICATE: To clear (someone) of blame or suspicion.
More About "exonerate crossword clue"
The term "exonerate" is deeply rooted in legal and moral contexts, signifying the act of freeing someone from blame, guilt, or responsibility. When a person is exonerated, it implies that they have been proven innocent of charges previously held against them, often due to new evidence or a re-evaluation of existing facts. This concept is crucial in justice systems, where the aim is to ensure that only the truly guilty are punished.
In crosswords, "exonerate" is a versatile clue because it has several strong synonyms. These synonyms, such as ACQUIT, ABSOLVE, CLEAR, and VINDICATE, each carry slight nuances but fundamentally convey the same core idea of clearing someone's name. Recognizing these synonyms is key to solving the clue, as the specific answer will depend on the number of letters required by the puzzle's grid and the broader context of other intersecting words.
Understanding the common applications of "exonerate" can also provide a helpful edge. It's often associated with legal proceedings, public apologies, or historical revisions where individuals or groups are posthumously cleared of wrongdoing. This thematic context can sometimes be hinted at by other clues in the puzzle, guiding you towards the correct solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by noting the number of spaces available for the answer. This is the single most important factor for narrowing down potential solutions for clues like "exonerate."
- Think of Synonyms and Antonyms: For a verb like "exonerate," brainstorm as many related words as possible. Consider words that mean the opposite too, as sometimes a clue might be phrased in a way that suggests an antonym.
- Contextual Clues: Pay attention to any other words in the clue that might give a hint about the specific context (e.g., "legally," "of guilt," "from charges"). This can help differentiate between close synonyms.
- Check Intersecting Words: If you're stuck, try to solve any intersecting words first. Even one or two letters from a crossing answer can reveal the correct solution for "exonerate."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'exonerate' and 'pardon' in a legal crossword context?
While both involve freeing someone, 'exonerate' means to clear someone of guilt or blame, essentially stating they were innocent all along. 'Pardon' means to forgive someone for a crime they did commit, releasing them from punishment, but not necessarily declaring them innocent.
How do crossword setters typically clue words like 'exonerate'?
Setters often use synonyms like 'clear', 'absolve', 'acquit', or 'vindicate'. They might also use phrases like 'free from blame', 'prove innocent', 'clear one's name', or 'remove guilt from'.
Why are there so many different answers for a single crossword clue like 'exonerate'?
Many words have multiple synonyms that fit the same definition. Crosswords leverage this, and the specific answer depends on the number of letters required for the grid, as well as the context provided by other intersecting clues.