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cómplice means in sync — a common term in Beautiful Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 2, 2026

✨ Beautiful Spanish

cómplice

adjective • /[KOM-plee-seh]/

in sync

Example:

Nos dimos una mirada cómplice.

We exchanged a knowing look.

🧠 What does cómplice mean?

As an adjective, 'cómplice' describes a person, look, or action that shows a shared, often secret, understanding with another. While its literal meaning is 'accomplice' (a partner in a crime), it is very frequently used in a positive, figurative sense to convey a deep connection, a shared secret, or a playful conspiracy between friends, family, or partners. It suggests a bond so strong that communication can happen non-verbally, through a simple glance or smile.

📚 Extra examples

  • Se lanzaron una mirada cómplice desde el otro lado de la sala.
    They exchanged a knowing glance from across the room.
  • El abuelo le dedicó una sonrisa cómplice a su nieta al darle un caramelo a escondidas.
    The grandfather gave his granddaughter a conspiratorial smile upon secretly giving her a piece of candy.
  • Nuestra amistad es muy cómplice; nos entendemos sin necesidad de palabras.
    Our friendship is very close-knit; we understand each other without needing words.
  • Siempre fuimos cómplices en nuestras travesuras de la infancia.
    We were always partners in crime in our childhood mischief.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'cómplice' can function as both a noun (an accomplice) and an adjective (conspiratorial, knowing). This duality allows it to beautifully capture how a term with negative legal origins can be re-purposed to describe something positive and intimate. It elevates the idea of a 'conspiracy' to one of deep personal connection.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "cómplice"

Synonyms: compinche, aliado, confidente, compenetrado
Opposites: adversario, rival, ajeno, inocente

🔍 See more beautiful spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'in sync' in Spanish?
While a 'cómplice' relationship implies being 'in sync', more direct translations are 'sincronizado/a' or 'en sintonía'. The term 'cómplice' adds a specific nuance of a shared secret or a conspiratorial bond.
How do you pronounce 'cómplice' in Spanish?
'Cómplice' is pronounced COM-plee-seh. The stress falls on the first syllable, 'cóm', as indicated by the accent mark.
How do you use 'cómplice' in a sentence?
It often modifies a noun like a look or gesture, as in 'una mirada cómplice' (a knowing glance). It can also describe a person who shares a bond with another: 'Ella es mi amiga y mi cómplice'.
What is the English translation of 'cómplice'?
The literal translation is 'accomplice' in a legal sense. Figuratively, it is often translated as 'knowing', 'conspiratorial', or used to describe a person who is a 'partner in crime' in a playful way.
Does 'cómplice' change for gender or number?
'Cómplice' is invariable for gender (el cómplice, la cómplice). The plural is formed by adding an 's': 'los cómplices' or 'las cómplices'.
Is 'cómplice' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, its figurative sense is very common in everyday speech, literature, and media to describe close relationships and the non-verbal communication within them.
Does 'cómplice' have slang or double meanings?
Its main double meaning is its primary feature: the negative, legal sense of a criminal 'accomplice' and the positive, figurative sense of an intimate 'partner' who shares a secret or bond. It does not have other significant slang meanings.
Is 'cómplice' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'cómplice' are consistent across the Spanish-speaking world, with no significant regional variations in either its literal or figurative sense.

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