SKIP TO CONTENT

connive

/kəˈnaɪv/
/kəˈnaɪv/
IPA guide

Other forms: connived; conniving; connives

To connive is to plan or plot to do something illegal or wrong. Conniving is considered dishonest and cowardly.

If someone accuses you of conniving, that's definitely not a compliment. Conniving usually occurs in secret, and people who connive are up to no good. Criminals planning a bank robbery are conniving. Crooked politicians looking for a bribe are conniving. Villains connive, and conniving is associated with conspiracies and dishonesty. The opposite of conniving is being honest and straightforward.

Definitions of connive
  1. verb
    form intrigues (for) in an underhand manner
    synonyms: intrigue, scheme
    see moresee less
    type of:
    plot
    plan secretly, usually something illegal
  2. verb
    encourage or assent to illegally or criminally
    see moresee less
    type of:
    accede, acquiesce, assent
    agree or express agreement
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘connive'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family