Definitions

1. verb

to secretly plan or scheme, especially with others, to achieve an illegal or dishonest end, or to try to deceive someone into doing something

“The company was accused of conniving with the government to suppress the news.”

2. verb

to pretend to be unaware of or to ignore something, especially in order to avoid responsibility or blame

“She tried to connive her way out of the trouble she had caused.”

3. noun

a person who secretly plans or schemes, especially with others, to achieve an illegal or dishonest end

“The connives in the company were finally caught by the authorities.”

4. verb

to try to deceive or manipulate someone, especially in order to achieve a goal or advantage

“He tried to connive his way into getting a promotion.”