The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word EXONERATED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
E
X
O
N
E
R
A
T
E
D
More clues leading to the result EXONERATED
- Naughty individual goes in after energy is discharged
- Previous partner I valued is let off the hook
- Previous individual assessed, found not guilty
- No longer individual gets slated, being pronounced innocent
- Let off old flame one thought highly of
- Let off former wife, single, half-heartedly betrayed
- European adult shielding one declared innocent
- Old individual, highly valued, got cleared
- Cleared of blame, English XI perhaps admired
- Old partner one scolded is free of blame
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "free of blame" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case free of blame = exonerated.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 EXONERATED mean?
EXONERATED 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 any question of guilt, acquitted.