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

Young Republicans implicated in a scandal over racist, antisemitic and misogynistic comments in leaked chat messages reported by Politico face mounting calls to step down from their positions in party organizations. —Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025

The texts implicate members of Young Republicans groups from New York, Kansas, Arizona, and Vermont over the span of seven months this year. —David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2025

Allen was implicated in their failure, though whether he was killed for that or for killing Blackie or for some third reason remains a mystery. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2025

But Breda acknowledged that the statements from Helen and the other witnesses would mean little in court without White’s self-implicating remarks. —Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 13 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