implicate

verb

im·​pli·​cate ˈim-plə-ˌkāt How to pronounce implicate (audio)
implicated; implicating
Synonyms of implicate

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
Scientists have discovered a gene that is implicated in the disease.
2
: to involve as a consequence, corollary, or natural inference : imply
Firing a government employee because of her protest implicates the First Amendment.
3
archaic : to fold or twist together : entwine

Synonyms of implicate

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For all the improvements in nutrition, technology, and heat adaptation, memories of the sport’s dirty era pervade — especially in a peloton where a number of team bosses and coaches have historically worked with teams who have been implicated. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 July 2026 Many of the Somali suspects implicated in the scheme were constituents in Omar’s congressional district. — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 24 July 2026 Siena College of Health was shut down in 2023 following an FBI investigation that found the nursing school was implicated in a scheme distributing more than 7,600 fake nursing diplomas. — Ella Moore july 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026 The ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce is far from the first time leafy greens have been implicated in the spread of a foodborne illness. — Lily Alvino, NBC news, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for implicate

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of implicate was in the 15th century

Rhymes for implicate

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Browse Nearby Words

implicant
implicate
implication
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Cite this Entry

“Implicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/implicate. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

implicate

verb
im·​pli·​cate ˈim-plə-ˌkāt How to pronounce implicate (audio)
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 How to pronounce implicate (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on implicate

Nglish: Translation of implicate for Spanish Speakers

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