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.
Whether she is getting dressed, sitting in the kitchen, or going to the university, each small gesture or decision is implicated in the game of her desire. — Literary Hub, 10 June 2026 While Beccera’s primary opponents attempted to use the Williamson prosecution to impact him, the Democrat argued that he had not been implicated in the case. — Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 16 June 2026 Writer-director Pascal Plante skillfully enhances the themes of his film with a cold, unsettling atmosphere, often implicating us as voyeurs with our own fixation on the dark side of humanity. — Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026 Authorities said Hernandez also implicated a second suspect, Aydee Casado-Dominguez, who was later detained outside her home. — Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 1 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 9 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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