acquittal
noun
ac·quit·tal
ə-ˈkwi-tᵊl 
: a setting free from the charge of an offense by verdict, sentence, or other legal process
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
In this case, it is alleged that these defendants thought the road to acquittal was the elimination of a witness.
—
Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
The judge found the evidence insufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, resulting in acquittal on all counts.
—Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2026
Snyder’s appeal makes a motion for new trial on his charge of obstructing the IRS and challenges the denial of his motion for acquittal and the denial of a motion for leave to file a motion for a new trial for obstructing the IRS, according to the two-page notice of appeal.
—Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Mellon’s Soviet acquisitions were disclosed in the mid-1930s during his tax-evasion trial (which ended in a posthumous acquittal), but by the time the National Gallery opened, controversy over his questionable dealings had largely faded.
—Alicja Zelazko, Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for acquittal
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Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
The judge found the evidence insufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, resulting in acquittal on all counts.
—Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2026
Snyder’s appeal makes a motion for new trial on his charge of obstructing the IRS and challenges the denial of his motion for acquittal and the denial of a motion for leave to file a motion for a new trial for obstructing the IRS, according to the two-page notice of appeal.
—Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Mellon’s Soviet acquisitions were disclosed in the mid-1930s during his tax-evasion trial (which ended in a posthumous acquittal), but by the time the National Gallery opened, controversy over his questionable dealings had largely faded.
—Alicja Zelazko, Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for acquittal
Cite this Entry
“Acquittal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acquittal. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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