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
Though Combs’ defense argued that his acquittals on the most serious charges precluded the court from considering the women’s claims of coercion, Judge Arun Subramanian said the women’s claims of violence and exploitation were major factors in the prison sentence of four years and two months.
—
Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2025
Most famously, the law led to the 2013 acquittal of a white man named George Zimmerman, who shot unarmed Black 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
—Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
Despite their acquittal, the members of the Black Six did not receive an apology until 2022, when then-mayor Greg Fisher formally apologized on behalf of the city and a marker was installed outside Metro Hall.
—Keely Doll, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Oct. 2025
Others, however, point to the jury's acquittal as indicative of the way criminal courts continue to fail survivors.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acquittal
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Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2025
Most famously, the law led to the 2013 acquittal of a white man named George Zimmerman, who shot unarmed Black 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
—Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
Despite their acquittal, the members of the Black Six did not receive an apology until 2022, when then-mayor Greg Fisher formally apologized on behalf of the city and a marker was installed outside Metro Hall.
—Keely Doll, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Oct. 2025
Others, however, point to the jury's acquittal as indicative of the way criminal courts continue to fail survivors.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acquittal
Cite this Entry
“Acquittal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acquittal. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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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