Synonyms of connive

connive

verb

kə-ˈnīv 

1

as in to ignore

to secretly sympathize with or pretend ignorance of something improper or unlawful

the principal connived at all the school absences that were recorded on the day of the city's celebration of its Super Bowl victory

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ignore
• wink
• tolerate
• forgive
• disregard
• excuse
• condone
• overlook
• pass over
• pardon
• gloss (over)
• brush (aside or off)
• shrug off
• gloze (over)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• refuse
• deny
• disapprove (of)
• frown (on or upon)
• disallow

2

as in to plot

to engage in a secret plan to accomplish evil or unlawful ends

suspects that his coworkers are conniving to get him fired

Synonyms & Similar Words

• plot
• scheme
• conspire
• contrive
• collude
• plan
• intrigue
• machinate
• devise
• compass
• concoct
• put up
• manipulate
• hatch
• engineer
• counterplot
• maneuver
• design
• cook (up)
• shape
• brew
• map
• lay out
• jockey
• frame

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of connive

According to the footage, what awaits Rhaenyra during her reign are fearful subjects, conniving enemies, sleepless nights and plenty of anguish. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026

This latest trailer gives us our first glimpse of Theron’s Circe and Pattinson’s conniving Antinous, the latter intent on wooing Penelope and ruling over Ithaca in Odysseus’ stead, as well as snidely taunting Telemachus for his daddy issues. — ArsTechnica, 5 May 2026

Jackson is depicted as conniving and quick to use his wealth and fame to overwhelm the family. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026

This is either a crafty and upbeat approach or a conniving and adverse trail. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 14 Mar. 2026

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