acquit

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

Examples Sentences

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 acquit Jackson and his estate have long maintained his innocence, including during his 2005 criminal trial for child molestation for which he was acquitted. Jessica Wang, EW.com, 3 Jan. 2025 He was then acquitted in the Senate, with 57 senators voting to convict him, short of the two-thirds needed in the 100-member chamber. Colleen Long, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025 Court records show Tucker was indicted in 2018 on counts of complicity to commit arson and insurance fraud, but was ultimately acquitted of those charges at trial. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 30 Dec. 2024 Matt Doherty has acquitted himself superbly since moving into the back three but remains a makeshift option. Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for acquit 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acquit
Verb
  • While smoke has cleared in most of the areas impacted by the Eaton and Palisades Fires, evacuations and curfews… pic.twitter.com/oxaXFZ9Gjo — CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) January 13, 2025 The wildfires have burned more than 40,000 acres so far across Southern California, Cal Fire said.
    Sarah Lynch Baldwin, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Fetterman is a co-sponsor of the Laken Riley Act — an immigration bill aimed at curbing crime by migrants — which cleared its first hurdle toward passage in the Senate last week, when 33 Senate Democrats voted with Republicans in the 84-9 vote Thursday.
    Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Scott is also coming off his first All Star appearance, after carrying a 1.34 ERA into the All Star break.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Guard Kendal Parker carries a camera around everywhere, vlogging the team’s life on the road for his YouTube channel’s 32 subscribers.
    Sam Blum, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Now, again, that doesn’t absolve Israel of its actions in conducting the war.
    Lulu Garcia-Navarro, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Tomlin said this week that Wilson needs to cut back on the turnovers, and decided to absolve receiver George Pickens of any blame on the interception against the Kansas City Chiefs.
    Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Those who turned inward eventually implode and behave in unthinkable ways.
    Tamara Conniff, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Jan. 2025
  • The differences don’t end there—the researchers also argue that Pluto and Charon are less likely to behave like fluid during a collision.
    Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Not forgiven, but you were accorded a few more days to tidy up your elastic finances.
    Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Baseball seems to be moving toward forgiving the legends of the Steroid Era.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The individual, whose identity hasn’t been released, was quickly restrained by fellow passengers and later detained by state troopers.
    Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Plus, in wine bars restrained by small kitchens, the ice cream coupe offers ample space for experimentation, allowing chefs to push the boundaries with the produce and tools at hand and easily tweak their recipes to keep regulars on their toes.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • According to the Death Penalty Information Center, 200 current or former death row inmates have been exonerated of all charges since record-keeping began in 1973.
    Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Velasquez was recently exonerated after a wrongful murder conviction was overturned following his 24 years behind bars.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The first death related to the Palisades Fire was announced earlier today when the sheriff's office conducted a wellness check at a residence on Pacific Coast Highway.
    Janhvi Bhojwani, NBC News, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Under Strunk, controlling owner since 2015, the Titans have struggled to figure out how to conduct their rebuild.
    Mike Jones, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near acquit

Cite this Entry

“Acquit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acquit. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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