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

• 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

His 2023 impeachment trial ended with his full acquittal. —arkansasonline.com, 11 July 2025

He's faced felony securities fraud charges, an FBI investigation into corruption and impeachment hearings that ended in an acquittal. —Meredith Kile, People.com, 10 July 2025

Diddy denied bail after partial acquittal in criminal trial Although Combs was acquitted on the top charges in his criminal trial, the legal victory did not guarantee the hip-hop mogul's freedom. —USA Today, 8 July 2025

Diddy's judge denied the rapper's bail package following his partial acquittal. —Lauryn Overhultz , Maria Paronich, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025

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
• submittal
• transmittal
• brittle
• kittel
• kittle
• little
• spital
• spittle
• tittle

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