acquittal

noun

ə-ˈkwi-tᵊl How to pronounce acquittal (audio)
Definition of acquittalnext
as in pardon
a setting free from a charge of wrongdoing confidently predicted that his client's trial would result in a full acquittal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example 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 acquittal Recounting the acquittal, Sam suggests Paul’s vindication wasn’t rooted so much in the truth as in the limits of the criminal justice system. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026 But those felony assault cases routinely fall apart, with nearly half of them ending with an acquittal, the charges being thrown out, or withdrawn, according to a Times analysis. — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 19 July 2026 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, 15 July 2026 The 12-person federal jury’s acquittal on Tuesday spared Yener of potentially decades in prison if he had been convicted of the main explosive charge. — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for acquittal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acquittal
  1. pardon
  2. forgiveness
  3. clearing
  4. exoneration
  5. vindication
Noun
  • The candidates have been clashing over the personal history of DeBarros, who served 19 years in prison for a shooting in Waterbury at the age of 18 in 1996 before he was later pardoned by the state’s board of pardons and paroles.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Biden gave him a presidential pardon after congressional Republicans threatened him with criminal charges over his handling of COVID-19.
    — Michael Collins, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of pardon
Noun
  • Debt settlement, sometimes referred to as debt forgiveness, may be another option for borrowers who are struggling with substantial unsecured debt and cannot realistically repay the full amount.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Some federal loans sometimes also qualify for loan forgiveness, hardship relief, and deferment and forbearance options that can impact your repayment timeline.
    — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of forgiveness
Noun
  • The game had two bench-clearing brawls, the second of which included several fans and 19 ejections including both managers and both replacement managers.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • If breaks develop in the clouds, even a few hours of clearing could provide a good viewing window.
    — Joe Ruch, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of clearing
Noun
  • The assistant district attorney assigned to the case spoke to jurors in terms that seemed to guarantee Mulholland’s exoneration.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
  • As a result, the number of exonerations nationwide increased from 25 in 1989 to 259 in 2022, according to the National Registry of Exonerations, a project operated by universities in Michigan and California.
    — Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of exoneration
Noun
  • If Springfield eventually provides the $150 million, the majority will claim vindication.
    — Angel Gutierrez, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Still, that 104th and final game capped a biggest-ever tournament seen as a vindication for the FIFA president — a consensus success on the field and a financial bonanza for global soccer.
    — Graham Dunbar, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of vindication

Browse Nearby Words

acquits
acquittal
acquittals
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Cite this Entry

“Acquittal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acquittal. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on acquittal

Nglish: Translation of acquittal for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about acquittal

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