Clear of wrongdoing (9)
(Other definitions for exonerate that I've seen before include "Justify" , "Acquit" , "Free of duty" , "Clear of blame" , "free of charge" .)
(Other definitions for acquit that I've seen before include "Pronounce not guilty of criminal charges" , "Exonerate" , "Discharge from court as innocent" , "Discharge as innocent, dismiss charge" , "Absolve" .)