acquit

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb acquit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of acquit are absolve, exculpate, exonerate, and vindicate. While all these words mean "to free from a charge," acquit implies a formal decision in one's favor with respect to a definite charge.

voted to acquit the defendant

When might absolve be a better fit than acquit?

While the synonyms absolve and acquit are close in meaning, absolve implies a release either from an obligation that binds the conscience or from the consequences of disobeying the law or committing a sin.

cannot be absolved of blame

When can exculpate be used instead of acquit?

In some situations, the words exculpate and acquit are roughly equivalent. However, exculpate implies a clearing from blame or fault often in a matter of small importance.

exculpating himself from the charge of overenthusiasm

When is it sensible to use exonerate instead of acquit?

While in some cases nearly identical to acquit, exonerate implies a complete clearance from an accusation or charge and from any attendant suspicion of blame or guilt.

exonerated by the investigation

When could vindicate be used to replace acquit?

The words vindicate and acquit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, vindicate may refer to things as well as persons that have been subjected to critical attack or imputation of guilt, weakness, or folly, and implies a clearing effected by proving the unfairness of such criticism or blame.

her judgment was vindicated

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of acquit The next season of Monster, following season three’s Psycho inspiration Ed Gein, takes on Lizzie Borden, the woman who was infamously tried and acquitted for the 1892 murder of her father and stepmother. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2025 What this means for America Legal experts predict Comey will be acquitted – the evidence is weak and the political interference is blatant. Cassandra Burke Robertson, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2025 Comfortable at Versailles, devoted to his grandfather, Temple ably acquitted himself of his duties. Stacy Schiff, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025 Bush also deployed it in 1992 after four Los Angeles police officers were acquitted for beating Black motorist Rodney King. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for acquit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acquit
Verb
  • The band members leave to find their places onstage, the room clears, and D is left alone, his Shaft-like black leather coat stretching past his knees, his cornrows tight and clean, every last wisp whipped into place, his skin brown like chocolate Häagen-Dazs.
    Touré, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025
  • In Sweden, first names must be cleared by the Tax Agency, which rejects those likely to cause offense, and name changes must retain at least one original name.
    Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Running back Chase Brown had his best game of the year on the ground, rushing for 108 yards on just 11 carries against the Pittsburgh defense.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Washington also had a 48-yard run on the Razorbacks’ first drive and finished with 147 yards on 16 carries.
    Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The book would remain out of print for the duration of an eight-year legal battle that ultimately saw Matthiessen and his publisher, Viking, absolved.
    Maggie Doherty, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Injuries to key players don’t absolve their replacements from playing a cleaner game against the Dolphins on Sunday.
    Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Patrick addressed the tension between his team and the Lions after the game, taking a slight jab at the way Detroit behaves on the field.
    Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
  • This means that even a very small number of malicious files inserted into training data can teach a model to behave in unexpected or harmful ways when triggered by a specific phrase or pattern.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Ole Miss’s narrow escape cost it a position in the US LBM Coaches Poll, but all will be forgiven if the Rebels survive their next two assignments on the road.
    Erick Smith, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The whole point of the conversation is forgiven by who?
    Leia Mendoza, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Amy Morrell, 53, a direct care staff member at the school, and other staff were attempting to restrain the teen, who officials say had been trying to leave a dorm building without permission, when the student allegedly kicked her in the chest, according to the district attorney's office.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The measure has since been watered down and now requires children between the ages of 8 to 16, starting in 2027, to pass a five-step test to be considered properly restrained by a seat belt.
    CalMatters, Oc Register, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • If Scott had been the victim of a homophobic attack, then each man could be exonerated in the other’s eyes.
    Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The decision not to file charges exonerated Yuba County Sheriff’s Office Sgt.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Movement organizers have emphasized nonviolent action and conducted safety training to promote de-escalation techniques.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • After the video spread on social media, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a post on X that the arrest came as US Border Patrol was driving around conducting immigration enforcement.
    Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Acquit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acquit. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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