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 of collusion

• conspiracy
• complicity

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

Howell also drew criticism for agreeing to a confidentiality agreement with the NFL to conceal the ruling of a collusion grievance the union had filed against the league. —Mike Jones, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026

In January, Michigan sued major oil companies, including ExxonMobil and BP, accusing them of collusion related to fossil fuels and climate change. —Taylor Millard, Boston Herald, 28 Feb. 2026

Otherwise, their decisions will be written off as the product of coercion or collusion. —David Pozen, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026

In addition, Mexico’s criminal economy has steadily grown, often with the collusion of local officials. —Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English collusioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French collusion, borrowed from Latin collūsiōn-, collūsiō, from collūdere "to play (with), make sport, collude" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

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