collusion

noun

col·​lu·​sion kə-ˈlü-zhən 

: secret agreement or cooperation especially for an illegal or deceitful purpose

acting in collusion with the enemy

collusive

kə-ˈlü-siv 

-ziv

adjective

collusively adverb

Synonyms

• complicity
• connivance
• conspiracy

Examples of collusion in a Sentence

The company was acting in collusion with manufacturers to inflate prices.

there was collusion between the two companies to fix prices

Recent Examples on the Web

Funny enough, those negotiations are part of a fascinating document just published this week by Pablo Torre regarding collusion charges levied against the NFL by the NFL Players Association. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 26 June 2025

On the second factor, the Arbitrator found that the clubs were not aware that they were being invited to participate in collusion. —Chris Deubert, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

Reconstruction was ultimately undermined by this collusion—laws without enforcement, rights without protection. —Eric K. Ward, Time, 19 June 2025

Steinberg said much the same in the House, but expressed some regret for accusing ratings agencies of collusion and for the possibility that the op-ed escalated the bad feelings between utilities and regulators, which in turn increased the political tension around energy policy. —Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 15 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin collusion-, collusio, from colludere — see collude

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for collusion

• allusion
• conclusion
• confusion
• contusion
• delusion
• diffusion
• effusion
• exclusion
• extrusion
• illusion
• inclusion
• infusion

Kids Definition

collusion

noun

col·​lu·​sion kə-ˈlü-zhən 

: secret agreement or cooperation for an illegal or dishonest purpose

collusive

-ˈlü-siv 

-ziv

adjective

Legal Definition

collusion

noun

col·​lu·​sion kə-ˈlü-zhən 

: the act or an instance of colluding

collusive

-siv 

adjective