implicate

verb

im·​pli·​cate ˈim-plə-ˌkāt 

implicated; implicating

transitive verb

1

a

: to bring into intimate or incriminating connection

evidence that implicates him in the bombing

b

: to involve in the nature or operation of something

2

: to involve as a consequence, corollary, or natural inference : imply

3

archaic : to fold or twist together : entwine

Synonyms

• weave
• intertwine
• twist
• entwine

Examples of implicate in a Sentence

His business partner was implicated in the theft.

the implicated vines did form a most restful garden bower

Recent Examples on the Web

The report about the text messages of Ingrassia, 30, also comes just one week after a number of Young Republicans were implicated in a scandal over racist, antisemitic and misogynistic comments in leaked chat messages. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025

Morales, meanwhile, was trying to get rid of evidence that could implicate him in the drug sale, according to prosecutors. —Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025

Not only that, but Hal used Kate to convince Trowbridge to bury the sub, implicating her in this plot. —Trish Deitch, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025

Still, the Epstein saga might have gradually faded from the national consciousness, even in spite of the widespread, unfounded belief that his 2019 suicide in a jail cell while awaiting trial was in fact a murder carried out to prevent him from implicating associates in his crimes. —Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English implicaten "to convey (a truth) in a fable," borrowed from Latin implicātus, past participle of implicāre "to fold about itself, entwine, entangle, involve, embroil" (Medieval Latin also, "to imply, mean by implication"), from im- im- + plicāre "to fold, bend" — more at ply entry 3

Note: See also imply, employ entry 1.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for implicate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids Definition

implicate

verb

im·​pli·​cate ˈim-plə-ˌkāt 

implicated; implicating

: to show to be connected or involved

evidence that implicates him in the robbery

Legal Definition

implicate

transitive verb

im·​pli·​cate ˈim-plə-ˌkāt 

implicated; implicating

1

: to involve as a consequence, corollary, or natural inference

firing the federal employee because of her protest implicates the First Amendment

2

: to connect to a crime