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complicity

noun com·plic·i·ty \ kəm-ˈpli-s(ə-)tē \
|Updated on: 15 Jul 2018

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

See complicity defined for kids

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

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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