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

• clearing
• exculpation
• 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

Other investigations Read’s acquittal in O’Keefe’s murder means no one has yet been held accountable for his death. —Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 21 June 2025

Donald Trump Is Listening Hegseth Recommended a ‘Passive Approach’ to Honoring Juneteenth The jury returned with the three acquittals after four days of deliberation, but the decision wasn’t without confusion. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2025

Following Karen Read's acquittal in the death of Boston police officer John O'Keefe, a group of witnesses who were central to the case released a joint statement condemning the verdict. —Christina Coulter, People.com, 18 June 2025

Like Covington, Farley filed motions for acquittal and a new trial ahead of sentencing. —Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 9 May 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