acquittal

noun

ac·​quit·​tal ə-ˈkwi-tᵊl 

: a setting free from the charge of an offense by verdict, sentence, or other legal process

Synonyms of acquittal

• pardon
• forgiveness
• clearing
• exoneration
• vindication

Examples of acquittal in a Sentence

The case resulted in acquittal of the defendant.

Several jurors voted for acquittal.

The case resulted in an acquittal of the defendant.

Recent Examples on the Web

Crabtree granted the motion with the condition that the firm prepare and file a reply brief in support of Jones’ pending supplemental motion for acquittal in his case. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026

Recounting the acquittal, Sam suggests Paul’s vindication wasn’t rooted so much in the truth as in the limits of the criminal justice system. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026

Some get judges who commit legal errors by not letting the jury hear important testimony that might lead to an acquittal. — Rene Denfeld, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026

But those felony assault cases routinely fall apart, with nearly half of them ending with an acquittal, the charges being thrown out, or withdrawn, according to a Times analysis. — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 19 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English acquitaille, acquytall "release, discharge, conduct," borrowed from Anglo-French acquitel, acquitaill, from aquiter "to acquit" + -el, -aill -al entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for acquittal

• belittle
• committal
• hospital
• popliteal
• submittal
• transmittal
• brittle
• kittel
• kittle
• little
• spital
• spittle

Kids Definition

acquittal

noun

ac·​quit·​tal ə-ˈkwit-ᵊl 

: the freeing (as by verdict) of a person from the charge of a crime

Legal Definition

acquittal

noun

ac·​quit·​tal ə-ˈkwit-ᵊl 

1

: release or discharge from debt or other liability

2

: a setting free or deliverance from the charge of an offense by verdict of a jury, judgment of a court, or other legal process see also implied acquittal, judgment of acquittal at judgment sense 1a compare conviction