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 Vicarious disturbance bleeds into complicity in an era when self-representation is conflated with self-branding. — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 The filmmaker pushes her to admit her complicity in her crimes and Evans’ dealings, but Seyfried (as Holmes) demurs. — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Oct. 2026 Though Antoine was arrested in April 2025 after being accused of several crimes, including financing criminal organizations and complicity in murder and criminal association, he was released about a month later. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026 The project is envisioned as a choose-your-own-adventure experience that places audiences inside Sunshine’s world, expanding the film’s questions around agency, complicity, and choice beyond the screen. — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complicity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicity
  1. conspiracy
  2. collusion
  3. connivance
Noun
  • In 2018, Shkreli was convicted of securities fraud and conspiracy, and the Department of Justice sold the record to help pay his reparations.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Rodriguez Melendez also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of conspiracy
Noun
  • Recent seasons have also cast Allison Janney and Bradley Whitford, who do their fair share of political collusion crossed with romantic assignments.
    — Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
  • During the Senate hearing, Dan Meyer, a Vice President of Pierce Manufacturing, was asked about allegations of collusion among the makers of fire apparatus.
    — Jeff Nguyen, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of collusion
Noun
  • There was no moon that evening, a detail, Shawn’s mother would later say, when arguing with his father about whether the man was dangerous or not, that was clearly not a coincidence, and showed careful consideration and connivance on his part.
    — Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Or was the whole thing a connivance and Mitzi Blinkhorn always destined to win, thanks to some Machiavellian manipulation behind the scenes?
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
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 28 Oct. 2026.

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