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

Final arguments were made early Friday after Pelosi denied a motion filed by Ouellette’s attorneys seeking a judgment of acquittal. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 6 Nov. 2026

The first trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, the man accused of intentionally starting a blaze on New Year’s Day 2025 that grew into the Palisades fire, ended with a jury deadlocked 10 to 2 in favor of his acquittal. — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

Most of Simpson’s children have remained extremely private in the years since their father’s acquittal and imprisonment, though his eldest daughter, Arnelle, has publicly defended him and expressed her belief in his innocence. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Nov. 2026

Both proceedings ended in acquittal, although seven Republican senators voted to convict him in the second trial. — Nik Popli, Time, 2 Nov. 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