conniving
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /kəˈnaɪvɪŋ/
KK: /kəˈnaɪvɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Describing someone who secretly plans to do something dishonest or harmful, often in a sneaky way.
Example
The conniving villain plotted to take over the kingdom without anyone noticing.
Conversation
Did you hear about that conniving plan they came up with?
Yeah, it seems like they always have something sneaky up their sleeves.
I can't believe they actually thought it would work this time.
Right? It just shows how conniving some people can be.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
scheming
cunning
devious
Antonyms
honest
naive
trustworthy
verb
Definition
To secretly plan or agree to do something dishonest or illegal, often by pretending not to notice it.
Example
They were conniving to take control of the company without anyone knowing.
Tense Forms
Past: connived
Past Participle: connived
Conversation
Did you hear about Jason's plan for the project?
Yeah, I heard he’s been conniving with some of the team members.
I can't believe he would do that!
Root Explanation
Conniving → It is formed from "con-" (meaning together) and "nive" (from Latin "niveus", meaning snowy or white, but in this context, it relates to the idea of scheming or plotting). The word describes someone who is secretly involved in wrongdoing or scheming together with others.
Memory Tip
Think of people 'together' ('con-') who are 'scheming' or plotting — that's what conniving means.
Visually Confused Words
unconniving
coving