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 Read’s first trial ended in mistrial, and she was acquitted in the second trial. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025 Peppers was acquitted of all assault charges in January, three months after his arrest following a late-night confrontation with a woman at his Braintree home. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 29 Aug. 2025 After Hunnam's turn leading the Monster franchise, Ella Beatty will step in for season 4 when the show focuses on Lizzie Borden, a 19th-century accused (but acquitted) murderess. Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025 Bean and Smith were acquitted of violating Nichols' civil rights, while Haley was found guilty. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for acquit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acquit
Verb
  • The girl was treated at the station and cleared by paramedics.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Soliman, friends say, insisted on trying to clear his name.
    Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The couple recently came under much media scrutiny when Abby and her conjoined twin sister, Brittany, both 35, were spotted carrying a newborn baby while running errands last month.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The claim from former LA Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley against Bass and the city says that the mayor used her position to absolve herself of responsibility for the fires by defaming Crowley.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
  • That does not mean that veterans are absolved of these tests as well, and that is certainly the case for the Green Bay Packers.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • So how these sports gambling firms are behaving in response to these new state taxes is hardly surprising.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
  • And across industries, creators feel the same pressure to behave like machines, churn out more and feed the algorithm.
    Rod Yancy, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • For many couples, infidelity is a nonnegotiable breach of trust, never to be forgiven.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Nobody is going to forgive it or pay it for us.
    Letters to the Editor, Oc Register, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Wilson's dying body was pulled inside the home by the family and restrained with his own handcuffs.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • State police will typically drive immigrants, who are restrained in belly chains, to what are essentially ICE bus stops at various places throughout the state.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Kading was removed from the task force after becoming the subject of an internal investigation in an unrelated case, for which he was ultimately exonerated.
    Gina Barton, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Cash remains hopeful that the provision will be implemented later because cameras could both exonerate teachers who have been falsely accused of neglect and provide evidence against those teachers who do not follow state protocols.
    IndyStar, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Along the top of the fire, the crews continue working slowly parallel with, and sometimes on, the McKinley Grove Road, doing clearing vegetation by hand, applying pre-treatment, and conducting critical strategic firing operations to remove heavy vegetation in front of the active fire front.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • While more research needs to be conducted, a promising clinical study found that participants who took a specific soluble keratin supplement for three months strengthened and improved the appearance of their nails.
    Brianna Peters, Vogue, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Acquit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acquit. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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