The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word EXONERATE
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
E
X
O
N
E
R
A
T
E
More clues leading to the result EXONERATE
- Clear river containing single rodent
- Clear former mate and English sailor returning outside unit
- Acquit former partner on single charge
- Clear directions to enter old address
- Free ecstasy? That's wrong, I judge
- No longer blame former lover I esteem
- Old judge will imprison one, that's clear
- Clear river keeps running with speed
- Absolve former lover facing single charge
- . Free somebody locked up by former judge
Buddy explains!
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does EXONERATE mean?
EXONERATE verb- To relieve (someone or something) of a load; to unburden (a load).
- Of a body of water: to discharge or empty (itself).
- To free from an obligation, responsibility or task.
- To free from accusation or blame.
- Freed from an obligation; freed from accusation or blame; acquitted, exonerated.