connive

[ kuh-nahyv ]

verb (used without object)

, con·nived, con·niv·ing.

1. to cooperate secretly; conspire (often followed by with ):

   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 by at ):

   The policeman connived at traffic violations.

3. to be indulgent toward something others oppose or criticize (usually followed by at ):

   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)

Derived Forms

• conˈniver, noun
• conˈnivingly, adverb

Other Words From

• con·niver noun
• con·niving·ly adverb
• uncon·nived adjective
• uncon·niving 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

They pick up on any and all evidence about human evil and conniving and explain away or ignore evidence of positive human qualities.

From Los Angeles Times

Democrats who connived with the GOP to do this should hang their heads in shame.

From Los Angeles Times

Rasmussen’s sisters and widower gave emotional testimony during Monday’s hearing about their pain and described Lazarus as a conniving criminal who used her police training to cover up the killing.

From Seattle Times

Donald Trump, meanwhile, has never had to make amends and everyone who’s ever been in his inner circle has paid dearly for being that close to his venomous and conniving personality.

From Salon

Modi has also described Muslims as “terrorists” who are conniving to steal the welfare benefits of caste-oppressed groups, and presented the opposition Congress Party as stealing Hindu money in order to give it to Muslims.

From Salon

Related Words

• collude
• conspire