Connive
/kəˈnaɪv/verb
To secretly help someone to do something that is dishonest or illegal.
The governor was accused of conniving with the mob to pass illegal laws.
Often appears as...
- connive with
- connive at
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Covert Actions
Connive implies secretive, behind-the-scenes actions or agreements, often of a negative nature.
The officials were found to connive in hiding evidence.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Using 'connive' suggests disapproval of the action being described and can indicate corruption.
He did not just accept bribes; he connived to hide them.
Pro Tip 3/3Colluding Implications
The word often underscores joint or collaborative illicit actions, involving two or more parties.
Both companies were accused of conniving to fix prices.
Compare with
collaborateconspirecontriveintrigueplanplotscheme
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