acquittal
noun
ac·quit·tal
ə-ˈkwi-tᵊl 
: a setting free from the charge of an offense by verdict, sentence, or other legal process
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
Around 1950, the Baltimore Afro-American reported, the man then known as Simmons won the acquittal of a man charged with first-degree murder.
—
Jeff Maysh, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Apr. 2024
The acquittals came after Spacey won a $40 million civil lawsuit brought by actor Anthony Rapp in October 2022.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 26 Apr. 2024
Goldman and Cook have said the litigation against Simpson was not about the money but seeking justice after his acquittal.
—Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 14 Apr. 2024
Once the jurors are finalized opening arguments can begin, bringing Trump one step closer to a conviction or acquittal.
—Kyler Alvord, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024
Simpson’s acquittal set off celebrations from those who pointed to historically unjust treatment of Black people by the U.S. justice system.
—Jason Rossi, The Enquirer, 11 Apr. 2024
The city approved the payouts after Zani’s acquittal in federal court.
—Andrea May Sahouri, Detroit Free Press, 16 Mar. 2024
In the 15 months between O.J.’s arraignment and his acquittal, Robert and his ex-wife, Kris, staked out opposing positions on the trial.
—Christie D’zurilla, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
Two years after his acquittal, Simpson was found liable of the murders in a wrongful death trial and ordered to pay $33.5 million to Brown and Goldman's survivors.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 12 Apr. 2024
Jeff Maysh, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Apr. 2024
The acquittals came after Spacey won a $40 million civil lawsuit brought by actor Anthony Rapp in October 2022.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 26 Apr. 2024
Goldman and Cook have said the litigation against Simpson was not about the money but seeking justice after his acquittal.
—Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 14 Apr. 2024
Once the jurors are finalized opening arguments can begin, bringing Trump one step closer to a conviction or acquittal.
—Kyler Alvord, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024
Simpson’s acquittal set off celebrations from those who pointed to historically unjust treatment of Black people by the U.S. justice system.
—Jason Rossi, The Enquirer, 11 Apr. 2024
The city approved the payouts after Zani’s acquittal in federal court.
—Andrea May Sahouri, Detroit Free Press, 16 Mar. 2024
In the 15 months between O.J.’s arraignment and his acquittal, Robert and his ex-wife, Kris, staked out opposing positions on the trial.
—Christie D’zurilla, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
Two years after his acquittal, Simpson was found liable of the murders in a wrongful death trial and ordered to pay $33.5 million to Brown and Goldman's survivors.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 12 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'acquittal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near acquittal
Cite this Entry
“Acquittal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acquittal. Accessed 2 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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