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Definition of complicit

complicit

/kəmˈplɪs.ɪt/
com · plic · it
Adverb:complicitly
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complicit Lexical Profile

complicit Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Involved with others in an illegal, unethical, or wrongful activity, either through active participation or by failing to prevent or report it.

Example

"The investigation revealed that several senior executives were complicit in the financial fraud."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for complicit
Antonyms
View all antonyms for complicit

Word Nuance & Usage

"Complicit" is almost always followed by the preposition "in" (e.g., "complicit in the cover-up") and implies knowing participation or silent acquiescence in wrongdoing, distinguishing it from "complacent" (self-satisfied) and "compliant" (obedient).

• Rhymes for complicit

• Nearby Words

complicatedly
complicatedness
complication
complicit
complicitly
complicity
complier

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-19th century as a back-formation from "complicity," which derives via Old French from Medieval Latin complicem ("confederate" or "partner"), ultimately from Latin complicare meaning "to fold together."

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Complicit. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/complicit
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