exculpate

• But many western supporters (including those in the aid community) more often exculpate or even indulge it. —  open Democracy News Analysis - Comments
• Mixa's words are part of a "long-term strategy by the Church to exculpate, in a historically inaccurate way, the history of its own institution as relates to fascism." —  Hot Air » Top Picks
• He was arrested, and a careful investigation was instituted; but nothing either to exculpate or inculpate him transpired, and after some months of imprisonment, he was liberated Five years elapsed. —  Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, No. 445 Volume 18, New Series, July 10, 1852
• At Orleans, with your kindest letter, I had one from my dearest, gracious friend Mr. Kenyon, who, in his goodness, does more than exculpate--even approves_--he wrote a joint letter to both of us. —  The Letters of Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1 of 2)
• I will not therefore now detain myself either to exculpate or criminate the minister, to whom, whatever they are, they are principally to be ascribed From the considerations already suggested, I am afraid thus much may be fairly inferred, that the earl of Shelburne is a man, dark, insidious and inexplicit in his designs; no decided friend of the privileges of the people; and in both respects a person very improper to conduct the affairs of this country. —  Four Early Pamphlets

Roget's II: The New Thesaurus