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Synonyms

exculpatory

American  
[ik-skuhl-puh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / ɪkˈskʌl pəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

adjective

  1. tending to clear from a charge of fault or guilt.


Other Word Forms

  • nonexculpatory adjective

Etymology

Origin of exculpatory

First recorded in 1770–80; exculpate + -ory 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Prosecutors were also accused of hiding evidence of the use of informants during trial, keeping the practice secret, and keeping exculpatory information from reaching defense attorneys.

From Los Angeles Times

Mayes also requested exculpatory evidence, as requested by defendant and former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.

From Salon

Colombo asserts that exculpatory material in the government’s possession pertaining to a cooperating witness was not shared with the defendants during trial.

From Los Angeles Times

According to the passages that were unsealed, Menendez plans to testify about what he believes were exculpatory communications with his wife, Nadine, if he decides to take the witness stand in his defense.

From Seattle Times

Defense attorneys for Baldwin are urging the judge to dismiss the grand jury indictment, accusing prosecutors of “unfairly stacking the deck” in grand jury proceedings that diverted attention away from exculpatory evidence and witnesses.

From Seattle Times