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
Her second finished with an acquittal on the most serious charge — second-degree murder — and a conviction for the lesser crime of manslaughter.
—
Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 21 Mar. 2025
Since her infamous acquittal, Casey has kept a mostly low-profile.
—Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for acquittal
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Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 21 Mar. 2025
Since her infamous acquittal, Casey has kept a mostly low-profile.
—Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2025
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
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 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
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