ACQUITTAL Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

acquittal

noun

ə-ˈkwi-tᵊl

Definition of acquittal

as in pardon

a setting free from a charge of wrongdoing confidently predicted that his client's trial would result in a full acquittal

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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 acquittal Both the prosecution and the defense appealed that verdict, with the prosecution requesting 14 years and the defense pushing for acquittal. — Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026 Despite the acquittal, Michael never returned to Neverland Ranch. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026 The last words of Lizzie Borden have never been reported; in fact, she was rarely seen or heard from in public in the years following her acquittal. — Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2026 The case drew national attention and became racially charged, with supporters of Anthony criticizing the lack of Black jurors and calling for his acquittal, while supporters of the Metcalf family gathered outside the courthouse seeking justice. — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for acquittal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for acquittal

Noun

Joe sought a presidential pardon in June 2025, and Gia said in August 2026 that the family had filed a humanitarian packet as part of its efforts to bring him home.

— Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
While the conviction will remain part of the historical record, the pardon removes any lasting consequence for him.

— Tamir Sorek, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of pardon

Noun

Later in life, Schwam created Humanity 101, an initiative of Arizona State University’s Project Humanities, promoting the values of compassion, empathy, forgiveness, integrity, kindness, respect and self-reflection.

— Pat Saperstein, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026
But as the movie awkwardly pivots to weighty themes like forgiveness, honor and grief, the initial sparks of subversiveness fizzle out.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of forgiveness

Noun

Then there’s a clearing of throats, and like malware, the narratives begin to establish persistence over mood and multiply.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026
The plaintiffs contend the administration has already begun implementing the larger redevelopment while attempting to treat tree-clearing and other preliminary work as separate maintenance projects.

— Rick Maese, Washington Post, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of clearing

Noun

Internal affairs complaints The lawsuit identifies five internal complaints filed against Sumstad between December 2022 and October 2025 and alleges each was dismissed, deemed unsubstantiated or ended in her exoneration.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026
In fact, Mickes and Wixted have found that, in many exoneration cases, a witness resolutely identified a person in court despite having dithered and debated during the initial photo lineup.

— Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of exoneration

Noun

Staring down an assembly of the outraged, Digger spells out the ruthless logic of global capitalism and claims the world’s fuel dependency as the ultimate vindication.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
Choi, a field engineer who has since returned to the same Georgia plant, said the claim is about vindication.

— Hanna Park, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of vindication

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“Acquittal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acquittal. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of acquittal

noun

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