complicity

noun

kəm-ˈpli-s(ə-)tē How to pronounce complicity (audio)
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 Their selective invocations of Washington may have obscured his complicity, but some abolitionists truly believed doing so would help bring the horror of American slavery to an end. — John Garrison Marks, The Atlantic, 25 July 2026 Von Carolsfeld doesn’t attempt a sweeping indictment of the criminal justice system, but rather produces a devastatingly accurate portrait of the searing human complicity that allows some monsters to roam free. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026 But when the spirit takes over Nikki, the true source of ambiguity in the story becomes Bear’s complicity in Nikki’s loss of autonomy. — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026 The connection between the shattered bodies and buildings and their own governments’ complicity is now unmistakably clear. — Literary Hub, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for complicity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicity
  1. conspiracy
  2. collusion
  3. connivance
Noun
  • Another person, Robert Zanolla, faces charges of felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, as well as related misdemeanors, the office said.
    — Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Tenon was charged with conspiracy to commit murder, second-degree murder with a weapon, accessory after the fact to a capital felony and child abuse, Nelson said at the time.
    — Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of conspiracy
Noun
  • But like in other pro sports, a team not wanting to sign a player isn’t proof of collusion.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The vaults sit behind a $100 million insurance facility from Lloyd's of London, arranged in 2025 to cover risks including internal collusion, according to the company.
    — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of collusion
Noun
  • Moments of great power are interspersed with long expository stretches of clangor and connivance.
    — Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 16 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of connivance

Browse Nearby Words

complicities
complicity
complied
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Cite this Entry

“Complicity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicity. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of complicity for Spanish Speakers

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