Conniving

Conniving describes someone who is crafty, scheming, and often deceitful, usually to achieve their own goals, often involving manipulation or underhanded tactics. This behavior typically involves clever planning and subtle maneuvering, designed to outwit or exploit others. It suggests a willingness to use any means necessary, regardless of ethical considerations, to gain an advantage or achieve a desired outcome. The person might appear friendly or helpful on the surface while secretly working to undermine or take advantage of those around them. Their actions are often characterized by secrecy and a lack of transparency.

Conniving meaning with examples

• Sarah, known for her conniving nature, subtly convinced her colleagues to take on her least desirable tasks, while she focused on projects that would gain her more recognition. She played on their insecurities, flattering them while ensuring she always looked the best. Her actions left her peers resentful, but she always maintained a charming facade, masking her true intentions.
• The detective suspected the suspect's seemingly innocent demeanor was a facade for a conniving mind. He knew their calm responses and helpfulness to the investigation could all be a calculated plan to mislead the authorities. It turned out that he was right, the subject had been conniving and manipulating to evade the law all along.
• In the cutthroat world of business, the CEO of a large company revealed a conniving plan to quietly purchase smaller companies, driving the smaller companies out of business and removing their stock from the market. He used misleading financial reports and veiled threats to complete the acquisitions, ultimately consolidating his control over the industry.
• The jealous sister, harboring a conniving heart, spread rumors about her sibling to their friends to damage their reputation and sabotage their budding romance. She created false narratives and manipulated social circles to isolate her sister, ensuring that she remained the center of attention and the perceived victim in the situation.