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
His defense team now hopes that a different judge and a changing political climate give them a chance at an acquittal.
—
Gene Maddaus, Variety, 14 Apr. 2025
The first was a century ago, for fabricating evidence against Sacco and Vanzetti, framed at a trial in the same Dedham courthouse where Karen Read must now stand trial after her acquittal last summer – there are no Constitutional protections against double jeopardy in Norfolk County.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2025
His impeachment in the state House and trial in the state Senate were seen as another proxy battle within the party, with House Republicans overwhelmingly voting to impeach him and most Senate Republicans voting for his acquittal.
—Jared Gans, The Hill, 2 Feb. 2025
The filing comes a month after Penny's acquittal in a high-profile and controversial manslaughter trial.
—Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 7 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acquittal
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Gene Maddaus, Variety, 14 Apr. 2025
The first was a century ago, for fabricating evidence against Sacco and Vanzetti, framed at a trial in the same Dedham courthouse where Karen Read must now stand trial after her acquittal last summer – there are no Constitutional protections against double jeopardy in Norfolk County.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2025
His impeachment in the state House and trial in the state Senate were seen as another proxy battle within the party, with House Republicans overwhelmingly voting to impeach him and most Senate Republicans voting for his acquittal.
—Jared Gans, The Hill, 2 Feb. 2025
The filing comes a month after Penny's acquittal in a high-profile and controversial manslaughter trial.
—Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 7 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acquittal
Cite this Entry
“Acquittal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acquittal. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share