Crossword Genius

Free former partner married on merit (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

exonerate

'free' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'former partner married on merit' is the wordplay.
'former partner' becomes 'ex' (an ex-partner).
'married' becomes 'one' (I've seen this in another clue).
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'merit' becomes 'rate' (synonyms).
'ex'+'one'+'rate'='EXONERATE'

(Other definitions for exonerate that I've seen before include "Excuse" , "let off the hook" , "Justify" , "Pronounce not guilty of a crime" , "Free from obligation, blame" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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