the accused
noun
: the person(s) charged with a crime
The accused was found not guilty.
All of he accused were found not guilty.
Examples of the accused in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
If the Senate votes by a two-thirds majority to convict, only then can the accused be removed from office.
—
Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
With first-degree murder charges, prosecutors must show that the accused acted with premeditation or malice.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Notes referencing Hitler and the Holocaust were found as well, investigators told the court, where the accused appeared, representing himself.
—Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 24 Dec. 2025
For example, a conviction for a lesser criminal offense, such as manslaughter, might allow the accused – or their lawyers – to argue that the killing was unintentional.
—Naomi Cahn, The Conversation, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the accused
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Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
With first-degree murder charges, prosecutors must show that the accused acted with premeditation or malice.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Notes referencing Hitler and the Holocaust were found as well, investigators told the court, where the accused appeared, representing himself.
—Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 24 Dec. 2025
For example, a conviction for a lesser criminal offense, such as manslaughter, might allow the accused – or their lawyers – to argue that the killing was unintentional.
—Naomi Cahn, The Conversation, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the accused
Cite this Entry
“The accused.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20accused. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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