connive

[kuh-nahyv]

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.

connive

/ 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)

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of connive¹

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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of connive¹

C17: from French conniver, from Latin connīvēre to blink, hence, leave uncensured; -nīvēre related to nictāre to wink

Example Sentences

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.

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on 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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That isn’t necessarily the work of someone suffering a mental decline; it could just be the work of a conniving authoritarian.

Read more on Salon

The grandiose castle on “The Traitors” is an apt setting for the conniving game show, immersing players in a historic location in the Scottish Highlands.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• collude 
• conspire