Absolve — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /əb-ˈzälv/ ab·solve

Meaning & Definition of Absolve

Absolve (verb)

  1. to set (someone) free from an obligation or the consequences of guilt
  2. to pardon or forgive (a sin), to remit (a sin) by absolution

Absolve (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to free from a charge of wrongdoing

    "no amount of remorse will absolve shoplifters who are caught, and all cases will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law"

    similar: acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate
    related: atone (for), expiate, discharge, liberate, redeem, release, unburden, condone, excuse, whitewash, forgive, pardon, remit, avenge, redress, revenge
    opposite: criminate, incriminate
    near: accuse, arraign, charge, impeach, indict, convict

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Absolve

The most common words with a similar meaning to Absolve:

acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Absolve

Words with the opposite meaning of Absolve:

criminate, incriminate

Related Words for Absolve

atone (for), expiate, discharge, liberate, redeem, release, unburden, condone, excuse, whitewash, forgive, pardon, remit, avenge, redress, revenge

Near Antonyms of Absolve

accuse, arraign, charge, impeach, indict, convict

Word Forms of Absolve

Inflections: absolved, absolving

Derived words: absolver (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Absolve

Middle English absolven, borrowed from Latin absolvere "to release, acquit, finish, complete," from ab- ab- + solvere "to loosen, release" solve

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Absolve

Frequently Asked Questions about Absolve

What does "Absolve" mean?

"Absolve" means to set (someone) free from an obligation or the consequences of guilt. As a verb, it is defined as: to set (someone) free from an obligation or the consequences of guilt.

What is another word for "Absolve"?

Other words for "Absolve" include acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate and vindicate. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Absolve" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Absolve"?

There are 21 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Absolve". Common alternatives include acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate and vindicate.

What is the opposite of "Absolve"?

Antonyms of "Absolve" include criminate and incriminate. Near antonyms include accuse, arraign, charge and impeach.

How do you use "Absolve" in a sentence?

Examples of "Absolve" in a sentence: "no amount of remorse will absolve shoplifters who are caught, and all cases will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law".

Is "Absolve" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Absolve" is a verb.

Is "Absolve" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Absolve" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Absolve"?

"Absolve" is pronounced /əb-ˈzälv/ and divided into syllables as ab·solve.