Definition

To secretly plan or work together with others to do something wrong or illegal.

Example

They connived to cheat the company out of its money.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard some people connive to get ahead at work.

Really? That's pretty sneaky of them.

Yeah, I can't believe they'd actually connive like that.

It just shows how far some people will go for success.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Connive → It is formed from "con-" (meaning together) and "nivere" (from Latin "nivere", meaning to wink). The word describes the act of secretly cooperating or conspiring with someone, often in wrongdoing, as if winking at their actions together.

Memory Tip

Think of people 'together' ('con-') secretly 'winking' ('nivere') at each other, which helps you remember that connive means to secretly cooperate or conspire.

Visually Confused Words