noun
Uncommon
acquittal
uh-KWIH-tuhl
Acquittal (noun) means a court decision that a person is not guilty of the crime they were charged with. Example: “The jury's acquittal came after just two hours of deliberation.”
noun
1
A court decision that a person is not guilty of the crime they were charged with.
"His unexpected acquittal shocked the public."
"The jury's acquittal came after just two hours of deliberation."
"The jury returned a verdict of acquittal."
How to use acquittal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA legal ruling clearing someone of a criminal charge.
Common mistake
Not the same as "innocence" being proven — an acquittal just means the prosecution failed to prove guilt.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
secure an acquittal
acquittal on all charges
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Word forms
- Plural
- acquittals
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The jury's _____ came after just two hours of deliberation.
Etymology
From "acquit" plus the noun ending "-al."
Synonyms
View more →
absolution
acquittance
acquitment
assoilment
compurgation
disculpation
exculpation
exoneration
not guilty
quittance
vindication
Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “acquittal” mean?
The word “acquittal” means a court decision that a person is not guilty of the crime they were charged with. In plain terms, a legal ruling clearing someone of a criminal charge.
How do you pronounce “acquittal”?
“Acquittal” is pronounced uh-KWIH-tuhl (/əˈkwɪtəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “acquittal” in a sentence?
Here is “acquittal” used in a sentence: “The jury's acquittal came after just two hours of deliberation.”
What is another word for “acquittal”?
Words with a similar meaning to “acquittal” include absolution, acquittance, acquitment, assoilment, compurgation and disculpation.
What is the opposite of “acquittal”?
The opposite of “acquittal” — its antonyms — are condemnation, conviction and nonacquittal.
What part of speech is “acquittal”?
“Acquittal” is a noun.
Is “acquittal” a common word?
“Acquittal” is an uncommon word in modern English.
