complicit

[kuhm-plis-it] / kəmˈplɪs ɪt /

ADJECTIVE

associated with unethical activity

Synonyms

STRONGEST

conniving

STRONG

deceitful duplicitous scheming

WEAK

adept calculating canny chary craft cunning discreet guileful politic slippery strategic wily

Antonyms

STRONGEST

clear forthright honest open

STRONG

naïve straightforward unassuming

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"We will not be complicit in something that is harmful to the world and contrary to our values and interests, simply out of fear of retaliation," he added in a televised address.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

In this, they become complicit through tacit consent.

From Salon • Mar. 3, 2026

At the time, the source said he was "bitterly disappointed about any suggestion that Alex Salmond was complicit in not being fully aware of how his political party was being run."

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

She’s quickly caught up in a complex web of deception, in which she may be complicit.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2026

I don’t know what complicit means but I can guess.

From "The Knife of Never Letting Go" by Patrick Ness