What Is Another Way to Say “Not Guilty”?

Looking for synonyms for not guilty? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say not guilty.

  • Innocent
  • Exonerated
  • Acquitted
  • Unblemished
  • Blameless
  • Clear
  • Absolved
  • Unimpeachable
  • Vindicated
  • Irreproachable
  • Faultless
  • Clean
  • Uninvolved
  • Untarnished
  • Unaccused
  • Above reproach
  • Uncondemned
  • Scatheless
  • Unimplicated
  • Free from guilt

Want to learn how to say not guilty professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Innocent

Appropriate to use when: Referring to someone not responsible for a crime or wrongdoing.
Example: “The accused was found innocent after a thorough investigation.”

2. Exonerated

Appropriate to use when: Describing someone who has been officially cleared from blame or fault.
Example: “After new evidence emerged, the previously convicted individual was exonerated.”

3. Acquitted

Appropriate to use when: Indicating that someone has been formally declared not guilty of a charge.
Example: “The jury acquitted the defendant due to lack of conclusive evidence.”

4. Unblemished

Appropriate to use when: Referring to a reputation or record that is free from marks of guilt or wrongdoing.
Example: “He maintained an unblemished record throughout his long career in public service.”

5. Blameless

Appropriate to use when: Describing someone who is free from blame or fault.
Example: “The investigation concluded that the safety officer was blameless in the accident.”

6. Clear

Appropriate to use when: Indicating that someone is free from suspicion or guilt.
Example: “After the audit, the finance manager was found to be clear of any misconduct.”

7. Absolved

Appropriate to use when: Referring to someone who has been freed from responsibility, guilt, or blame.
Example: “She was absolved of all charges after the compliance review.”

8. Unimpeachable

Appropriate to use when: Describing someone or something that cannot be doubted or criticized.
Example: “His testimony was unimpeachable and played a key role in the trial.”

9. Vindicated

Appropriate to use when: Indicating that someone has been cleared of suspicion or proven right.
Example: “The new findings vindicated her stance on the project’s viability.”

10. Irreproachable

Appropriate to use when: Referring to conduct that is beyond criticism; faultless.
Example: “Her conduct during the inquiry was irreproachable and commendable.”

11. Faultless

Appropriate to use when: Describing someone or something that is free from fault or error.
Example: “His execution of the procedure was faultless, according to the review board.”

12. Clean

Appropriate to use when: Indicating that someone has a record or background free from wrongdoing.
Example: “The candidate’s clean history with regulatory compliance was a strong point in her favor.”

13. Uninvolved

Appropriate to use when: Referring to someone who is not connected or implicated in a situation.
Example: “The investigation proved that he was uninvolved in the fraudulent activities.”

14. Untarnished

Appropriate to use when: Describing a reputation or record that remains undamaged or unaffected by negative events.
Example: “Despite the controversy, her professional reputation remained untarnished.”

15. Unaccused

Appropriate to use when: Indicating that someone has not been accused of a crime or wrongdoing.
Example: “As an unaccused party in the case, he was not called to testify.”

16. Above reproach

Appropriate to use when: Referring to someone whose integrity is so high that they cannot be criticized.
Example: “His ethical standards in handling the case were above reproach.”

17. Uncondemned

Appropriate to use when: Describing someone who has not been declared guilty or condemned.
Example: “She remained uncondemned after the allegations proved baseless.”

18. Scatheless

Appropriate to use when: Indicating someone who has escaped harm, injury, or damage, particularly in a legal context.
Example: “He emerged scatheless from the scandal that rocked the industry.”

19. Unimplicated

Appropriate to use when: Referring to someone who is not involved or connected to wrongdoing or a crime.
Example: “The employee was found to be unimplicated in the security breach.”

20. Free from guilt

Appropriate to use when: Describing someone who is not guilty of a crime or misconduct.
Example: “The panel confirmed that she was free from guilt in the matter of the leaked information.”

Linda Brown