Colluding: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is used when people secretly plan together to do something harmful or illegal. It often appears in legal, political, or theatrical contexts, and it has a negative connotation.

• The two men conspired to steal the company's secrets.
• They were arrested for conspiring to overthrow the government.

Used when referring to a secret plan to accomplish something, usually harmful or illegal. It is common in political, historical, or narrative contexts and can be negative.

• The rebels plotted a coup against the king.
• He was accused of plotting to assassinate the leader.

This word often refers to a clever and sometimes dishonest plan to achieve something. It can be used in both casual and formal contexts and frequently has a negative connotation, but not always.

• She schemed to gain control of the company.
• His scheme to surprise his friend with a birthday party was a success.

This word suggests secretly allowing something bad or illegal to happen. It often implies a degree of passive complicity rather than active participation. It's generally negative.

• The manager seemed to connive at the fraud occurring under his watch.
• She didn't protest and thus connived in the cheating.