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
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
The statement did not specify the date of the sentences or whether the accused had been tried en masse.
—CBS News, 21 Dec. 2025
But there are few references to what will happen to the accused after they are convicted or acquitted.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the accused
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.
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
The statement did not specify the date of the sentences or whether the accused had been tried en masse.
—CBS News, 21 Dec. 2025
But there are few references to what will happen to the accused after they are convicted or acquitted.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 8 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 6 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share