Search Dictionary
Definition of connive

connive

/kəˈnaɪv/
con · nive
Adverb:connivingly
•
Adjective:conniving
•
Past Simple:connived
•
Past Participle:connived
•
Present Participle:conniving
JUMP TO:

connive Lexical Profile

connive Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To conspire or secretly cooperate in order to do something immoral, illegal, or harmful.

Example

"Several corrupt officials were found to have connived with smugglers to bypass customs inspections."

2

To secretly allow or pretend to be unaware of a moral or legal wrong, thereby tacitly consenting to it.

Example

"The auditors were accused of choosing to connive at the company's fraudulent accounting practices."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for connive
Antonyms
View all antonyms for connive

Word Nuance & Usage

Traditionally, 'connive at' means to tacitly ignore or turn a blind eye to wrongdoing, whereas 'connive with' means to actively conspire or collude with someone.

• Rhymes for connive

• Nearby Words

connector
connie
conniption
connive
conniver
conniving
connivingly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Latin connivere ('to close the eyes' or 'to wink at a fault'), formed from com- (intensive prefix) and a base related to nictere ('to blink').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Connive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/connive
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.