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adj

conniving

kuh-NEYE-vihng

Conniving (adj) means scheming or plotting deceitfully to get what one wants. Example: “Her conniving business partner had been secretly siphoning off profits for years.”

adj
1
Scheming or plotting deceitfully to get what one wants.
"Her conniving business partner had been secretly siphoning off profits for years."

How to use conniving

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSneaky and manipulative — plotting behind people's backs.

Common pairings
a conniving scheme conniving and manipulative

Word forms

more conniving comparative, most conniving superlative

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Her _____ business partner had been secretly siphoning off profits for years.

Etymology

From "connive," meaning to secretly cooperate in wrongdoing, ultimately from Latin "connivere," "to close the eyes to."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for conniving

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Frequently asked questions

What does “conniving” mean?

The word “conniving” means scheming or plotting deceitfully to get what one wants. In plain terms, sneaky and manipulative — plotting behind people's backs.

How do you pronounce “conniving”?

“Conniving” is pronounced kuh-NEYE-vihng (/kəˈnaɪvɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “conniving” in a sentence?

Here is “conniving” used in a sentence: “Her conniving business partner had been secretly siphoning off profits for years.”

What part of speech is “conniving”?

“Conniving” is an adjective.

Where does the word “conniving” come from?

The word “conniving” comes from Latin. From "connive," meaning to secretly cooperate in wrongdoing, ultimately from Latin "connivere," "to close the eyes to.".

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial