What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
accomplice
Example
The police arrested the thief and his accomplice. [accomplice: noun]
Example
She was charged as an accomplice to the murder. [accomplice: adjective]
associate
Example
He's an associate at the law firm. [associate: noun]
Example
She associates with a group of artists. [associates: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Associate is more commonly used than accomplice in everyday language. Associate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while accomplice is less common and typically used in legal or criminal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between accomplice and associate?
Both accomplice and associate can be used in formal and informal contexts, but accomplice is more likely to be used in legal or criminal settings, which may make it sound more formal or serious.
