The difference between Accessory and Accomplice

When used as nouns, accessory means something that belongs to part of another main thing, whereas accomplice means an associate in the commission of a crime.


Accessory is also adjective with the meaning: having a secondary, supplementary or subordinate function by accompanying as a subordinate.

check bellow for the other definitions of Accessory and Accomplice

  1. Accessory as an adjective:

    Having a secondary, supplementary or subordinate function by accompanying as a subordinate; aiding in a secondary way; being additional; being connected as an incident or subordinate to a principal; contributing or being contributory. Said of people and things, and, when of people, usually in a bad sense

    Examples:

    "She was accessory to the riot."

    "'accessory sounds in music"

  2. Accessory as an adjective (legal):

    Assisting a crime without actually participating in committing the crime itself.

  3. Accessory as an adjective:

    Present in a minor amount, and not essential.

  1. Accessory as a noun:

    Something that belongs to part of another main thing; something additional and subordinate, an attachment.

    Examples:

    "the accessories of a mobile phone"

  2. Accessory as a noun (fashion):

    An article that completes one's basic outfit, such as a scarf or gloves.

  3. Accessory as a noun (legal):

    A person who is not present at a crime, but contributes to it as an assistant or instigator.

  4. Accessory as a noun (art):

    Something in a work of art without being indispensably necessary, for example solely ornamental parts.

  1. Accomplice as a noun (legal):

    An associate in the commission of a crime; a participator in an offense, whether a principal or an accessory.

  2. Accomplice as a noun (rare):

    A cooperator.