What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
criminate
Example
The prosecutor attempted to criminate the defendant for embezzlement. [criminate: verb]
Example
The witness's testimony helped to criminate the suspect in the robbery case. [criminate: verb]
incriminate
Example
The DNA evidence found at the scene of the crime incriminated the suspect. [incriminated: past tense verb]
Example
The defendant's own words during the interrogation incriminated him in the murder case. [incriminated: past participle verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Incriminate is more commonly used than criminate in modern English, especially in legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between criminate and incriminate?
Incriminate is a more formal term than criminate, and is commonly used in legal and academic contexts.
