complicit

American  

[kuhm-plis-it] / kəmˈplɪs ɪt /

adjective

1. choosing to be involved in an illegal or questionable act, especially with others; having complicity.

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complicit British  

/ ˌkɒmˈplɪsɪt /

adjective

1. involved with others in reprehensible or illegal activity

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Etymology

Origin of complicit

First recorded in 1855–60; back formation from complicity

Compare meaning

How does complicit compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• complicit vs. complacent

Example Sentences

Bean Boat and Tote, gives it enough distance from overtly corporate American brands that international carriers can embrace it without feeling complicit, Davies said.

From The Wall Street Journal

In Curaçao, Stern said, he spoke once to Dutch authorities on the island but intentionally didn’t brief them to keep them from being thought complicit and drawing the ire of neighboring Venezuela.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I can't stay silent because to stay silent is to be complicit," she said.

From BBC

In a separate chat, Paige notes that the fear feeding Pennywise in “Welcome to Derry” may be especially uncomfortable because of its complicit nature.

From Salon

TotalEnergies last month hit back against claims it was complicit in abuses by the security services.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• conniving