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complicity

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noun com·plic·i·ty \ kəm-ˈpli-s(ə-)tē \

Definition of complicity

plural complicities
1 :association or participation in or as if in a wrongful act
  • arrested for complicity in the crime
2 :an instance of complicity
  • The two share a complicity she calls fraternal.
  • —Joan Dupont

See complicity defined for English-language learners

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Examples of complicity in a Sentence

  1. There's no proof of her complicity in the murder.

  2. He acted with his brother's complicity.

Recent Examples of complicity from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'complicity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of complicity

see complice

complicity Synonyms

Synonyms
collusion, connivance, conspiracy
Related Words
chicanery, foul play, skulduggery (or skullduggery); double-dealing, duplicity; cover-up, frame-up, setup; conspiration, intrigue, plot, scheme

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

COMPLICITY Defined for English Language Learners

complicity

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noun

Definition of complicity for English Language Learners

  • : the act of helping to commit a crime or do wrong in some way

Learn More about complicity

  1. See words that rhyme with complicity Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for complicity Spanish Central: Translation of complicity Nglish: Translation of complicity for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of complicity for Arabic speakers

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Examples: complicity in a Sentence