Which of the following words is closest in meaning to “Exonerate”?

Exonerate means to absolve from blame.

• Correct answer - absolve: it has the same meaning as Exonerate.
• instigate: to provoke - wrong, it does not mean the same as Exonerate.
• incriminate: to show to be guilty - wrong, it does not mean the same as Exonerate.
• invigorate: to energise - wrong, it does not mean the same as Exonerate.