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
But when a mysterious stranger begins blackmailing Neve, she is forced to compromise every legal, moral and ethical obligation to gain an acquittal — or else risk her dark secrets being exposed.
—
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
But Jewish groups and figures in the United Kingdom lamented the acquittal.
—Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026
The criminal case against Shumate was dismissed after the acquittal.
—Patrick Danner, San Antonio Express-News, 3 Feb. 2026
Over 30 years ago, Los Angeles reached a boiling point following the acquittal of four police officers who brutally beat Rodney King.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for acquittal
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Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
But Jewish groups and figures in the United Kingdom lamented the acquittal.
—Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026
The criminal case against Shumate was dismissed after the acquittal.
—Patrick Danner, San Antonio Express-News, 3 Feb. 2026
Over 30 years ago, Los Angeles reached a boiling point following the acquittal of four police officers who brutally beat Rodney King.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for acquittal
Cite this Entry
“Acquittal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acquittal. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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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