connivance

noun

con·​niv·​ance kə-ˈnī-vən(t)s 

: the act of conniving

especially : knowledge of and active or passive consent to wrongdoing

He stole millions of dollars with the connivance of his partner.

Synonyms

• conspiracy
• complicity
• collusion

Examples of connivance in a Sentence

was able to sneak out at night with the connivance of a camp counselor

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition, senior executives could be held personally liable when offences involve their consent, connivance or neglect. —Jamie Hailstone, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025

The arrests were part of wide-ranging Establishment attacks on the new generation of pop stars in Britain at the time, done through connivance with informers and a hostile conservative media. —Bill Wyman, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2025

Of course, this was done with the connivance of politicians. —Vera Bergengruen/buenos Aires, TIME, 23 May 2024

Michael Hiltzik: How the GOP — with Democratic Party connivance — has undermined a crucial effort to avert the next pandemic. —Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

see connive

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for connivance

• contrivance

Kids Definition

connivance

noun

con·​niv·​ance kə-ˈnī-vən(t)s 

: the act of conniving

especially : knowledge that something wrong is going on without trying to stop it

Legal Definition

connivance

noun

con·​ni·​vance kə-ˈnī-vəns 

: the act of conniving especially with regard to a spouse's marital misconduct (as adultery)

also : a defense to a charge of marital misconduct in a divorce proceeding compare condonation