1
as in to ignore
to secretly sympathize with or pretend ignorance of something improper or unlawful
the principal connived at all the school absences that were recorded on the day of the city's celebration of its Super Bowl victory
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to plot
to engage in a secret plan to accomplish evil or unlawful ends
suspects that his coworkers are conniving to get him fired
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of connive
Jackson is depicted as conniving and quick to use his wealth and fame to overwhelm the family.
—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2026
That twist makes Frank both sympathetic and conniving, and Bale does a good job letting both aspects of his complex performance come through.
—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
7 Mar. 2026
The alluring but conniving Ciara (Dove Cameron) or that sexy brooder with the best wild locks ever, Oliver (Avan Jogia)?
—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
5 Mar. 2026
Whitney, one of the most smarmy, conniving characters written into the entirety of the show, was one of Micay’s favorites to bring to life through the soundtrack.
—
Kiana Mickles,
Pitchfork,
2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for connive
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2026
That twist makes Frank both sympathetic and conniving, and Bale does a good job letting both aspects of his complex performance come through.
—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
7 Mar. 2026
The alluring but conniving Ciara (Dove Cameron) or that sexy brooder with the best wild locks ever, Oliver (Avan Jogia)?
—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
5 Mar. 2026
Whitney, one of the most smarmy, conniving characters written into the entirety of the show, was one of Micay’s favorites to bring to life through the soundtrack.
—
Kiana Mickles,
Pitchfork,
2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for connive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for connive
Verb
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Swift will either ignore the noise as usual, or smile at the absurdity as a secure, proud childless cat lady.
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Not only were the rules misapplied, according to an expert referee with years of elite experience, but similar plays during this tournament have been ignored.
Verb
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That will really set the tone for that day, which is just being plotted out now, to really engage in a conversation that will be open to industry pass holders, press, and public to talk about the future of independent film.
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Sources tell OutKick that Pitaro backed Mark Jones in 2020 when Jones falsely accused police officers of plotting to shoot him.
Verb
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Two guys at the golf course are winking, and whispering, and tipping each other off.
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The show ushered in a new era of winking, elbow-jabbing meta-musicals.
Verb
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Prosecutors detailed at least four games in which the defendants are alleged to have schemed to have Beasley manipulate individual game stats for the benefit of gamblers.
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As to honest services wire fraud, it is based on Beasley allegedly scheming to defraud the Bucks and the NBA of his honest services.
Cite this Entry
“Connive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/connive. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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