COLLUSIVE Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

collusive

adjective

Definition of collusive

as in conspiratorial

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of collusive The nine-month investigation documented a decade-long legal drama involving shell companies, trusts, allegedly collusive lawsuits and bankruptcy petitions. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 31 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for collusive

Adjective

There’s always been a conspiratorial smokiness in their singing, a crackle of long nights and bleary mornings penetrating their drawl.

— Brad Sanders, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026
But details like those are unfortunately less likely to drive engagement on social media than extreme or conspiratorial claims.

— Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 18 June 2026

Definition of conspiratorial

Adjective

Attorney Cynthia Jennings, who spoke at a press conference called several days after the police were at the treasurer’s office, had condemned social media speculation about Sierra’s action and the claims of clandestine shredding of documents.

— Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 17 July 2026
That the actual, original Antifa formed in clandestine resistance to Nazi terror during the early 1930s appears lost amid the rhetorical vagaries of political propaganda.

— Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of clandestine

Adjective

These functions can be critical in various applications and scenarios, such as inspections, covert surveillance, search-and-rescue operations, disaster monitoring, and agricultural pest tracking.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 July 2026
Although, with words like emergency and bunker—the skeptics have made routine election work seem like a covert-ops thriller.

— Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026

Definition of covert

Adjective

New York is banning smart glasses in courts across the state, pointing to the threat of surreptitious video recordings.

— Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 9 July 2026
These cybercriminals are like the Hollywood movie character Jason Bourne, a highly surreptitious operative who avoids detection through diversion, disguises, deflecting and blending into the environment.

— Eric Herzog, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Definition of surreptitious

Adjective

Child allegedly entered the restaurant wearing a motorcycle helmet and dark clothing, making off with the cash register till and an undisclosed amount of money.

— Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2026
The sting operation took place in an undisclosed location in Virginia Gardens.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026

Definition of undisclosed

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“Collusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collusive. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of collusive

adjective

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