What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Explicit vs Complicit - What's the difference?

explicit | complicit |

As adjectives the difference between explicit and complicit

is that explicit is very specific, clear, or detailed while complicit is associated with or participating in an activity, especially one of a questionable nature.

explicit

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Very specific, clear, or detailed.
  • I gave explicit instructions for him to stay here, but he followed me, anyway.
  • (euphemism) Containing material (e.g. language or film footage) that might be deemed offensive or graphic.
  • The film had several scenes including explicit language and sex.
  • (obsolete)
  • Synonyms

    * express, manifest, overt * (containing offensive material) raunchy

    Antonyms

    * implicit, unexplicit, vague * (containing offensive material) circumspect

    Derived terms

    * explicitation * explicitly * explicitness

    complicit

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Associated with or participating in an activity, especially one of a questionable nature.
  • * 1861 , Henry M. Wheeler, The Slaves' Champion , p. 203,
  • It [slavery] has set the seal of a complicit , guilty silence upon the most orthodox pulpits and the saintliest tongues,
  • * 1973 , , As If by Magic , Secker and Warburg, p. 177:
  • "I confess," and the Englishman turned with a near complicit grin to Hamo, "I have certain vulgar tastes myself."
  • * 2005 , Larry Dennsion, " Letters," Time , 7 March:
  • Khan's sale of nuclear secrets and a complicit Pakistani government have made the world a ticking time bomb.

    Synonyms

    * complicitous

    Derived terms

    * complicitly

    References

    * * Oxford English Dictionary , 2nd ed., 1989.