conniving

[kuh-nahy-ving]

adjective

1. cooperating secretly, especially with harmful or evil intent; conspiring.

   a conniving liar and thief.

Word History and Origins

Origin of conniving¹

First recorded in 1625–50; connive ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

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

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

From 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.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s conniving, manipulative and has somehow incredibly managed to survive flying on the seat of some very thin pants since his father sent him out to collect rent as a budding slumlord.

From Salon

Related Words

• canny 
• impish 
• ingenious 
• intriguing www.thesaurus.com
• mischievous 
• roguish 
• shrewd 
• smart 
• subtle