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

This atmosphere of collective powerlessness offers one explanation for the conspiratorial thinking at the heart of Lamar versus Drake.

— Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2026
The guidance specified that Fox’s programs should not follow Trump down a conspiratorial rabbit hole relating to the 2020 election.

— Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of conspiratorial

Adjective

Across Greengrass’ three Bourne movies, the elite assassin turns against the clandestine institution that created him, determined to escape its grip and bring its covert operations to light.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026
Or that the Apollo moon landing in 1969 was staged, the video shot on some clandestine movie set.

— Susan Page, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of clandestine

Adjective

Part thriller, part dark romantic comedy, Smokeshow centers on a covert operative, Rory (Fahy), who becomes entangled with her target, the charming and devastatingly earnest Nolan.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026
Regardless of their opinion about Denmark, Greenlanders are becoming aware of, and are unnerved by, this semi-covert, sometimes glaringly obvious American pressure.

— Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of covert

Adjective

And in 1911 a disgruntled ex-Mormon hid a camera under his coat and snapped surreptitious photos of the temple’s interior in an unsuccessful attempt to blackmail the church.

— Brandon Griggs, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
In early April 2007, I was invited to a surreptitious dinner with the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s music director Esa-Pekka Salonen and the orchestra’s president, Deborah Borda.

— Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of surreptitious

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“Collusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collusive. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of collusive

adjective

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