connive

American  

[kuh-nahyv] / kəˈnaɪv /

verb (used without object)

connived, conniving

1. to cooperate secretly; conspire (often followed bywith ).

   They connived to take over the business.

   Synonyms:

   collude, plot, plan

2. to avoid noticing something that one is expected to oppose or condemn; give aid to wrongdoing by forbearing to act or speak (usually followed byat ).

   The policeman connived at traffic violations.

3. to be indulgent toward something others oppose or criticize (usually followed byat ).

   to connive at childlike exaggerations.

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connive British  

/ kəˈnaɪv /

verb

1. to plot together, esp secretly; conspire

2. (foll by at) law to give assent or encouragement (to the commission of a wrong)

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Other Word Forms

• conniver noun
• connivingly adverb
• unconnived adjective
• unconniving adjective

Etymology

Origin of connive

1595–1605; (< French conniver ) < Latin co ( n ) nīvēre to close the eyes in sleep, turn a blind eye, equivalent to con- con- + -nīvēre, akin to nictāre to blink ( nictitate )

Example Sentences

Court documents filed this week paint an image of both a conniving player and a fragile individual.

From Los Angeles Times

The conniving producers, stagestruck backers, formidable labor organizations and long hours in grim conditions show that Shakespeare really is our contemporary.

From The Wall Street Journal

The traitors were completed by chat show host Ross and singer Cat Burns - both of whom seem to have more of the conniving mindset needed for a great traitor.

From BBC

She’s cold, conniving and happy to cause a deeper rift between her granddaughter and daughter.

From Los Angeles Times

Fulton played the character as a villain, telling The Times in 1990 that Lisa was initially “a conniving, screaming witch” who “lied and wanted everything her way,” a characterization that led fans to scorn her.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• collude
• conspire