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 a rare move, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond concluded that trial attorneys hid evidence that might have led to an acquittal.
—
Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 15 May 2026
The day after Valle's July 9, 2025, acquittal on the most serious charges, the state filed new reckless manslaughter and reckless assault charges.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
The ruling also revived testimony from an art dealer whose statements had helped Kim win acquittal in the lower court.
—Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 8 May 2026
The jury on Longet's trial was split at first, with four pronouncing her guilty of the more serious charge of reckless manslaughter, four voting for acquittal and four being undecided, per GQ.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for acquittal
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Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 15 May 2026
The day after Valle's July 9, 2025, acquittal on the most serious charges, the state filed new reckless manslaughter and reckless assault charges.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
The ruling also revived testimony from an art dealer whose statements had helped Kim win acquittal in the lower court.
—Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 8 May 2026
The jury on Longet's trial was split at first, with four pronouncing her guilty of the more serious charge of reckless manslaughter, four voting for acquittal and four being undecided, per GQ.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 2 May 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 19 May. 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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