connivance

noun

kə-ˈnī-vən(t)s How to pronounce connivance (audio)
Definition of connivancenext
as in conspiracy
a secret agreement or cooperation between two parties for an illegal or dishonest purpose was able to sneak out at night with the connivance of a camp counselor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of connivance Or secretly despise his own connivance? — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2025 In addition, senior executives could be held personally liable when offences involve their consent, connivance or neglect. — Jamie Hailstone, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 But widespread disgust with the mayor’s mendacity and the connivance of eight City Council members is changing the political landscape. — U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2025 The arrests were part of wide-ranging Establishment attacks on the new generation of pop stars in Britain at the time, done through connivance with informers and a hostile conservative media. — Bill Wyman, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for connivance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for connivance
  1. conspiracy
  2. complicity
  3. collusion
Noun
  • Former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy in federal court during an afternoon hearing in the more than 20-month-long corruption case.
    — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • After a chance meeting saving the life of a reporter, Dez stumbles across a vast conspiracy and now must stop the forces intent on keeping their secrets safe.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 6 July 2026
Definition of conspiracy
Noun
  • Yorgen Fenech, 44, was charged with complicity in her killing and criminal association.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 2 July 2026
  • The book beautifully captures the delicate line between love and hate, between victimhood and complicity.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
Definition of complicity
Noun
  • Special counsel Robert Mueller ended up charging 34 Russian nationals, but found no collusion between them and the president’s campaign staffers.
    — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
  • Players are expected to view these proposals as a legal form of collusion, reminiscent of the 1980s, signaling a potentially prolonged labor dispute.
    — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of collusion

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conning
connivance
connivances
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Cite this Entry

“Connivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/connivance. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on connivance

Nglish: Translation of connivance for Spanish Speakers

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