Connived

To secretly cooperate or conspire with someone to do something wrong or illegal. It implies a deliberate and often subtle act of complicity, often involving a failure to report or prevent wrongdoing. It suggests a hidden agreement or understanding to overlook or allow something, frequently involving some level of personal benefit or a desire to avoid personal inconvenience or harm. Conniving often involves deception, manipulation, and a disregard for ethical or legal principles. The actions taken are performed with another person, to obtain a desired goal.

Connived meaning with examples

• The corrupt officials, suspected of a kickback scheme, were thought to have connived with the construction company, ensuring inflated prices. The inspector turned a blind eye to faulty materials, knowing he would receive a cut of the profits. Their agreement allowed the project to proceed with substandard work.
• When the witness to the robbery was pressured to change his statement, the police were accused of **conniving** with the criminals to suppress evidence. They fabricated an alibi, hoping to hide their own failings, and the criminals were free to carry on with their crimes. Their shared goal was to maintain the status quo of organized crime.
• The students connived to cheat on the exam, sharing answers under their desks. The teacher was unaware of what was happening, but as the students shared notes and answers, the outcome was altered. This was done so that each would score higher. The consequence was a skewed and inaccurate assessment of their knowledge.
• During the tense negotiations, the opposing sides were thought to have secretly connived to create a false sense of progress. In reality, they were trying to exhaust resources to gain an advantage. They hoped the other side would make concessions. Their goal was to gain more leverage in the final agreement.