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
The new indictments come as legal teams for both Jones and Dowling are in the process of seeking acquittals from Summit County Common Pleas Judge Susan Baker Ross after evidence presented at a six-week trial in Akron failed in March to lead to unanimity among jurors, who deliberated for nine days.
—
ABC News, 4 June 2026
In episode 3, footage shows Wilkins passing out and being wheeled away on a stretcher following Jackson's acquittal.
—Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 3 June 2026
Also in the realm of reality is a docuseries on Michael Jackson's 2005 child molestation trial which famously ended with his acquittal.
—Madeleine Janz, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
After the trial, it was rumored that the jury had initially been split 9-3 for acquittal, and that the minority was brought around by the expert testimony.
—Louis Menand, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for acquittal
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ABC News, 4 June 2026
In episode 3, footage shows Wilkins passing out and being wheeled away on a stretcher following Jackson's acquittal.
—Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 3 June 2026
Also in the realm of reality is a docuseries on Michael Jackson's 2005 child molestation trial which famously ended with his acquittal.
—Madeleine Janz, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
After the trial, it was rumored that the jury had initially been split 9-3 for acquittal, and that the minority was brought around by the expert testimony.
—Louis Menand, New Yorker, 1 June 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 Jun. 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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