conspiracy
7 synonyms for conspiracy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A secret plan made by two or more people to do something harmful or illegal.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use conspiracy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
conspiracy theory
conspiracy to commit
a wide-ranging conspiracy
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman conspiracie, from Latin conspiratio, formed from conspire plus -acy.
Full origin of conspiracy →Frequently asked questions
What does “conspiracy” mean?
The word “conspiracy” means a secret plan made by two or more people to do something harmful or illegal. In plain terms, a secret plot between people, or a theory claiming one exists.
How do you pronounce “conspiracy”?
“Conspiracy” is pronounced kuhn-SPIH-ruh-see (/kənˈspɪɹəsi/ in IPA).
How do you use “conspiracy” in a sentence?
Here is “conspiracy” used in a sentence: “The trial uncovered a conspiracy to defraud investors.”
What part of speech is “conspiracy”?
“Conspiracy” is a noun.
Where does the word “conspiracy” come from?
The word “conspiracy” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman conspiracie, from Latin conspiratio, formed from conspire plus -acy.
Is “conspiracy” a common word?
“Conspiracy” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “conspiracy” have?
“Conspiracy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a secret plan made by two or more people to do something harmful or illegal.
What is the difference between a 'conspiracy' and a 'conspiracy theory'?
A 'conspiracy' is an actual secret plan made by two or more people to do something harmful or illegal. A 'conspiracy theory' is a claim that a secret group is responsible for an event, often without solid evidence. One is a real hidden plot, while the other is an unproven explanation for something.
What is the difference between 'conspiracy' and 'collusion'?
'Conspiracy' emphasises a secret plan to do something harmful or illegal, and it is often a criminal charge in itself. 'Collusion' refers to secret cooperation for a deceitful or unfair purpose, which may not always be a crime. Conspiracy usually implies planned wrongdoing, while collusion stresses the secret working together.
What is the difference between a 'conspiracy' and a 'plot'?
Both involve a secret plan, but 'conspiracy' specifically requires two or more people acting together and usually implies something harmful or illegal. A 'plot' can be devised by a single person and is a more general word for a secret scheme, whether wicked or merely mischievous.
