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

Who is Hinako, and how is she implicated in this story of violence and madness? —Vincent Acovino, NPR, 22 Sep. 2025

According to Navann Ty, a senior healthcare and biopharma analyst at BNP Paribas, Kenvue’s acetaminophen sales were not implicated by the ongoing legal battle. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025

The Com has been implicated in crimes far more serious than crypto scams. —Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 21 Sep. 2025

Among those students solicited by Noreus is the nurse implicated in the patient’s death at the Missouri hospital, according to Clark, the prosecutor. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 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