acquittal

noun

ac·​quit·​tal ə-ˈkwi-tᵊl 

: a setting free from the charge of an offense by verdict, sentence, or other legal process

Synonyms of acquittal

• pardon
• forgiveness
• clearing
• exoneration
• vindication

Examples of acquittal in a Sentence

The case resulted in acquittal of the defendant.

Several jurors voted for acquittal.

The case resulted in an acquittal of the defendant.

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, the aim could be to get Reiner an acquittal based on an insanity or self-defense claim, or to try to reduce the case all the way down to manslaughter. —Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025

His 2023 impeachment trial ended in acquittal. —S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025

Dugan's team filed a motion for acquittal under Rule 29 even before the jury got the case. —John Diedrich, jsonline.com, 19 Dec. 2025

At the time of the interview, Jackson, a Pepperdine University School of Law graduate, had just earned a legal victory with Karen Read’s murder acquittal in June. —Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 17 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English acquitaille, acquytall "release, discharge, conduct," borrowed from Anglo-French acquitel, acquitaill, from aquiter "to acquit" + -el, -aill -al entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for acquittal

• belittle
• committal
• hospital
• submittal
• transmittal
• brittle
• kittel
• kittle
• little
• spital
• spittle
• tittle

Kids Definition

acquittal

noun

ac·​quit·​tal ə-ˈkwit-ᵊl 

: the freeing (as by verdict) of a person from the charge of a crime

Legal Definition

acquittal

noun

ac·​quit·​tal ə-ˈkwit-ᵊl 

1

: release or discharge from debt or other liability

2

: a setting free or deliverance from the charge of an offense by verdict of a jury, judgment of a court, or other legal process see also implied acquittal, judgment of acquittal at judgment sense 1a compare conviction