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

In addition to being accused of adultery by his estranged wife, Paxton, a staunch MAGA ally, has faced felony securities fraud charges, an FBI investigation into corruption and state impeachment hearings that ended in an acquittal. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

Le Pen is looking for an acquittal In what would be the best-case scenario for Le Pen, the appeals court could clear her of all charges. — Sylvie Corbet, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

The 12-person federal jury’s acquittal on Tuesday spared Yener of potentially decades in prison if he had been convicted of the main explosive charge. — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026

Associate Judge Andi Saputra, who offered the sole dissenting opinion in the decision and called for acquittal, said the case offered no proof of malicious intent, wrongdoing or any indication of a conflict of interest. — Chandra Asmara, Fortune, 30 June 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