Quick answer
Codicil means an addition or amendment to a will or formal document. It is usually pronounced KOD-uh-sil, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Codicil
Codicil means an addition or amendment to a will or formal document. It belongs to bureaucratic and academic absurdities and works best in satire, office complaints, and writing about systems that sound puffed up or overmanaged. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
bureaucraticacademicjargon
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, codicil refers to an addition or amendment to a will or formal document. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Codicil feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Codicil is generally traced to latin. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Codicil is still used today, though it often turns up in more formal, literary, or analytical writing than in casual conversation.
Example sentences
- She added a codicil to clarify the gift to her nephew.
- The solicitor advised drafting a new will rather than relying on a codicil.
- Readers often search what codicil means when handling estate papers.
- A handwritten codicil can create legal confusion if done badly.
When should you use this word?
Use codicil when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in satire, office complaints, and writing about systems that sound puffed up or overmanaged.
Similar words
Amendment, Addendum, Appendix, Supplement, Revision
Opposite or contrasting words
Original document, Main body, Unaltered will
Common questions
- What does codicil mean? an addition or amendment to a will or formal document.
- How do you pronounce codicil? It is commonly pronounced KOD-uh-sil.
- Is codicil still used today? Codicil is still used today, though it often turns up in more formal, literary, or analytical writing than in casual conversation.
- When should you use codicil? Use codicil when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in satire, office complaints, and writing about systems that sound puffed up or overmanaged.
- What words are similar to codicil? Similar words include Amendment, Addendum, Appendix, and Supplement.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.