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

On Wednesday three former Memphis police officers were acquitted on a slew of state charges relating to the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, during a January 2023 traffic stop. —James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025

Three former Memphis police officers were acquitted on all charges in the 2023 death of Tyre Nichols. —Axios Nashville, Axios, 8 May 2025

Bean and Smith were found guilty of witness tampering but were acquitted of all other civil rights charges. —Jack Armstrong, USA Today, 2 May 2025

Per a pretrial ruling, neither side can use evidence or arguments related to the reversal of Weinstein’s 2020 conviction nor the jury’s decision to acquit Weinstein on certain charges at that time. —Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2025