implicated; implicating

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
2
: to involve as a consequence, corollary, or natural inference : imply
3
archaic : to fold or twist together : entwine

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.
Trump had already appeared in legal documents concerning Epstein's crimes, but never in a way that implicates him. Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 25 July 2025 Kyle isn't happy about that, as he would also be implicated. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 22 July 2025 President Donald Trump has also been connected to the disgraced financier in the past, but has long denied any wrongdoing, insisted their friendship ended long ago, and has not been implicated in his crimes. Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025 Trump has already appeared in legal documents concerning the late billionaire, but never in a way that implicates him in any crime. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 19 July 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Implicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/implicate. Accessed 28 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

implicate

verb
implicated; implicating
: to show to be connected or involved
evidence that implicates him in the robbery

Legal Definition

implicate

transitive verb
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

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