Definition of complicitynext
as in conspiracy
a secret agreement or cooperation between two parties for an illegal or dishonest purpose the two major auction houses acting in complicity to drive up the prices of art works

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of complicity Yet for those who have watched the events of recent years with grief and fury, cheering on a team that represents the Islamic Republic feels, to some, like an act of complicity. Shirvin Zeinalzadeh, The Conversation, 11 June 2026 Fictions may be sublimations, places to hide outrage or grief or guilt, or to talk about complicity, which by its nature cannot be spoken of. Literary Hub, 10 June 2026 In 2025, two Centennial nursing home staffers were arrested and charged with criminal negligence, complicity, and abusing an at-risk adult after allegedly covering up details about how a 92-year-old woman with dementia in their care suffered a broken leg. Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 9 June 2026 Eli was found guilty of complicity to commit murder and was sentenced to 15 years to life. Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for complicity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicity
Noun
  • Former Lakers Malik Beasley and Ed Davis were charged with wire fraud conspiracy and bribery in sporting contests by federal prosecutors in a sweeping indictment that included four other co-conspirators.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
  • Political podcasters such as Tucker Carlson peddle conspiracies and lies, and there seems to be little consequence for hateful rhetoric.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Special counsel Robert Mueller ended up charging 34 Russian nationals, but found no collusion between them and the president’s campaign staffers.
    Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
  • Players are expected to view these proposals as a legal form of collusion, reminiscent of the 1980s, signaling a potentially prolonged labor dispute.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • But widespread disgust with the mayor’s mendacity and the connivance of eight City Council members is changing the political landscape.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2025
  • Or secretly despise his own connivance?
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complicity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicity. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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