Exculpate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Exculpated, p. pr. & vb. n.. Exculpating (
Etymology: [L. ex out + culpatus, p. p. of culpare to find fault with, to blame, culpa fault. See Culpable.]
To clear from alleged fault or guilt; to prove to be guiltless; to relieve of blame; to acquit. He exculpated himself from being the author of the heroic epistle. Mason. I exculpate him further for his writing against me. Milman.
Syn. -- To exonerate; absolve; clear; acquit; excuse; vindicate; justify.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for exculpate; he lists it under absolve.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.