English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
adj

conniving

kuh-NEYE-vihng
Quiz me More like this

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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like conniving.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice

Word forms

Comparative
more conniving
Superlative
most conniving
Test yourself on “conniving” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

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

scheming calculating calculative collusive shrewd

Antonyms

Related words

Rhymes for conniving

See all rhymes for conniving →

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.".

People also searched