What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
implicate
Example
The report implicates several high-ranking officials in the corruption scandal. [implicates: verb]
Example
His silence on the matter implicates his involvement. [implicates: present tense]
incriminate
Example
The DNA evidence incriminates the suspect in the murder case. [incriminates: verb]
Example
He was arrested and charged with a crime that incriminated him. [incriminated: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Implicate is less common than incriminate in everyday language. Incriminate is more specific and is used primarily in legal or criminal contexts, while implicate can be used in a wider range of situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between implicate and incriminate?
Incriminate is more formal than implicate due to its association with legal or criminal contexts. Implicate can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
