Conspire: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used to describe when people secretly plan something harmful or illegal together. The connotation is usually negative.

• The group conspired to overthrow the government
• They were arrested for conspiring to commit fraud

This word is commonly used when discussing secret plans to do something harmful or illegal, like a crime. It can also be used in less serious situations, such as in literature to describe the storyline.

• The villains plotted to steal the treasure
• The novel's plot twists kept readers on the edge of their seats

This word can have a negative connotation when referring to a dishonest plan. However, it can also be neutral or even positive when referring to an organized plan or project in a general sense.

• The company schemed to evade taxes
• They devised a scheme to improve productivity at work

This word usually implies that people are working together in secret for a deceitful or dishonest purpose. It is often used in legal or political contexts and has a negative connotation.

• Businesses were found to collude to fix prices
• The officials were accused of colluding with criminals