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

However, many cases where charges were brought against activists have been dismissed or resulted in acquittals. — Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 10 June 2026

Proctor was fired after the second trial concluded with Read’s acquittal on all charges save for drunken driving. — Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 19 June 2026

Jurors leaned towards acquittal on the manslaughter and attempted manslaughter counts. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 12 June 2026

John was arrested for battery after his acquittal John was charged with battery two times after his 1994 acquittal, the first of which occurred just months after the trial. — Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 28 June 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