exculpatory

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

ADJECTIVE

excusable

Synonyms

WEAK

all right condonable defensible explainable fair forgivable justifiable minor moderate not too bad okay pardonable passable permissible plausible reasonable remittable reprievable slight specious temperate tenable trivial understandable venial vindicable vindicatory warrantable within limits

Antonyms

WEAK

blameable inexcusable unallowable unforgivable unjustifiable

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.

Among them, we should require prosecutors to present exculpatory evidence in a case and to exclude evidence already ruled unconstitutional, which they currently do not have to.

From Slate • May 1, 2026

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

From Salon • Jan. 13, 2025

Other information was hidden from Glossip, too, including possible exculpatory DNA evidence from the crime scene, which has since been damaged.

From Slate • Sep. 30, 2024

Tom Yu, Chavez’s attorney, and Lisa Houlé, Concannon’s lawyer, also alleged there had been procedural violations with exculpatory evidence, such as not showing grand jurors an enhanced video of the air gun in Mitchell’s lap.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 31, 2024

We had uncovered so much exculpatory evidence that had not been disclosed previously that we were sure there was still more that had not been turned over.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Vocabulary lists containing exculpatory

Just Mercy

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Legal Lingo, List 6

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!