Synonyms of acquit

acquit

verb

ə-ˈkwit 

1

as in to clear

to free from a charge of wrongdoing

acquitted of the robbery charge after proving he was nowhere near the scene of the crime

Synonyms & Similar Words

• clear
• absolve
• forgive
• exonerate
• vindicate
• release
• liberate
• exculpate
• redeem
• discharge
• avenge
• excuse
• pardon
• expiate
• atone (for)
• condone
• remit
• redress
• unburden
• revenge
• whitewash

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incriminate
• accuse
• charge
• impeach
• indict
• convict
• criminate
• arraign

2

as in to carry

to manage the actions of (oneself) in a particular way

the king promised handsome rewards to all who acquitted themselves well in the battle

Synonyms & Similar Words

• carry
• behave
• restrain
• conduct
• handle
• compose
• contain
• deport
• comport
• quit
• demean
• bear
• collect
• play
• constrain
• check
• act
• inhibit
• control
• curb
• temper
• repress
• moderate
• quiet
• modulate
• impersonate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• misconduct
• carry on
• cut up
• misbehave
• act up

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

Recent Examples of acquit

Simpson was acquitted in a 1995 criminal trial for the killings of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. —Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026

What Happened Off the Field Raises Questions Simpson was acquitted in a 1995 criminal trial for the killings of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026

If Paxton secures the nomination, it will likely be driven by the unwavering support of the GOP’s grassroots base, the same coalition that helped revive his political standing after he was impeached and later acquitted on corruption charges by the Texas legislature three years ago. —Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 29 Mar. 2026

He was acquitted in a Senate trial. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2026