# conspirator

/kənˈspɪɹətɝ/ (US) · /kənspˈɪɹətɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/conspirator
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

someone who secretly works with others to do something illegal or harmful. You use this word for people who plan a crime or a secret plot together.

For teachers: a person who secretly agrees with others to commit an illegal or harmful act. Often implies a shared intent and a degree of premeditation.

## Examples

- The police arrested a conspirator in the bank robbery.
- During the trial, the witness testified that he was a conspirator in the plot to overthrow the government.
- Historians often debate whether the accused was a genuine conspirator or merely a pawn who was unaware of the full scale of the treasonous scheme.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.