A. Exculpate
B. Exonerate
C. Both a & b
D. Execute

Explanation:

The word absolve means to free someone from blame, guilt, or responsibility.

In simple words: to declare someone not guilty or forgive them.

Both exculpate and exonerate have this meaning.

Real-Life Example

• The new evidence absolved him of all charges.
• The new evidence exonerated/exculpated him of all charges.

Free from blame = Absolve

Main Points for Exams

• Absolve means to forgive, exonerate, or exculpate.
• Exculpate and Exonerate are both correct synonyms.
• Execute is unrelated.
• Therefore, Option C (Both A & B) is correct.
• Frequently asked in PPSC, FPSC, CSS, PMS, NTS, IELTS, and TOEFL vocabulary tests.

Quick Memory Trick

⚖️ Absolve = Set Free from Blame
✅ Exculpate = Exonerate = Same Meaning

Blame ↔ Absolve
Absolve ↔ Exculpate / Exonerate ✔️