conniving
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of conniving
First recorded in 1625–50; connive ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. )
Explanation
Someone conniving is calculating, scheming, and shrewd — in other words, sneaky and up to no good. Do you know anyone who is always trying to get away with things? Do they constantly look for ways to get out of trouble or work? Those kind of people are conniving. This is a word for secretive, shifty behavior. However, being conniving isn't the worst thing in the world — it's negative, but you probably wouldn't say a murderer is conniving. It's usually reserved for con men, shady business moguls, and manipulative social climbers.
Vocabulary lists containing conniving
The Cay
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Al Capone Does My Shirts
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Dear Justyce
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Conniving identical twins, like the ones she played in “Hail, Caesar!” and “Okja,” are a particular specialty of hers.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 2022
Conniving medical professionals continue to be popular subjects in recent entertainment.
From Salon • Nov. 15, 2022
Conniving Eddie Haskell once said to Wally: “Boy, am I glad I don’t have a kid brother.”
From Washington Post • Jul. 29, 2022
Conniving diplomats have come there, as well as big-time pols and heavy moneymen, all summoned for the payoff of a lunch or dinner at the very headwaters of U.S. history.
From Time Magazine Archive
“That’s right. Remember that, Mr. Flanagan. Conniving men with no sense of right and wrong.”
From "Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Choldenko
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
