acquittal

noun

ac·​quit·​tal ə-ˈkwi-tᵊl How to pronounce acquittal (audio)
Synonyms of acquittal
: a setting free from the charge of an offense by verdict, sentence, or other legal process

Synonyms of acquittal

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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
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.
Cases can be delayed with different tactics, including intimidation, corruption and procedural mistakes that can reduce charges or even lead to acquittals, said Carole Grace Mbarga, a Cameroonian rights activist. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026 Baltovich spent nine years in prison until 2000, before an eventual acquittal in 2008 after prosecutors dropped all charges. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026 Ken Paxton’s first affair was at the center of his 2023 impeachment trial, which resulted in an acquittal. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026 Notably, the acquittal did not establish who owned the painting. — Mattia Ferraresi, Air Mail, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for acquittal

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of acquittal was in the 15th century

Rhymes for acquittal

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Browse Nearby Words

acquit oneself
acquittal
acquittance
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Cite this Entry

“Acquittal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acquittal. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

acquittal

noun
ac·​quit·​tal ə-ˈkwit-ᵊl How to pronounce acquittal (audio)
: the freeing (as by verdict) of a person from the charge of a crime

Legal Definition

acquittal

noun
ac·​quit·​tal ə-ˈkwit-ᵊl How to pronounce acquittal (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on acquittal

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about acquittal

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