Conspiring: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when people secretly plan together to commit something harmful or illegal. This word often has a negative connotation.

• The detectives discovered that the group was conspiring to rob the bank.
• She was accused of conspiring with her coworkers to embezzle company funds.

Used when referring to a secret plan to do something harmful or illegal, often with a focus on detailed planning and scheming. It can be used in both negative and neutral contexts.

• The villains were plotting to overthrow the government.
• They were plotting to surprise her with a birthday party.

Appropriate when people are working together secretly for a deceitful or illegal purpose, often in a business or political context. It usually implies cooperation with a common goal of committing fraud or deception.

• The companies were found guilty of colluding to fix prices.
• The investigation revealed that the officials were colluding with criminals.

Implies making secret plans, especially for doing something dishonest or harmful. It typically has a negative connotation and suggests cleverness or cunning.

• He was always scheming to get ahead at work, even if it meant betraying his friends.
• The antagonists in the novel spent most of their time scheming against the protagonists.

Use in negative situations where individuals or groups secretly plan something harmful or illegal.

• The criminals were conspiring to rob the bank.
• They were conspiring against the king to overthrow the government.

Use in positive or neutral situations where people work together on a project or task, often in a formal or professional setting.

• Scientists are collaborating on research to find a cure for the disease.
• The two companies are collaborating on a new product design.

Use in situations where people are working together willingly and helpfully, often to achieve a common goal.

• The team members are cooperating to finish the project on time.
• The police are cooperating with international authorities to solve the case.

Use in situations where individuals or groups come together for a common cause or to join forces, often to show solidarity or achieve a significant objective.

• The citizens are uniting to demand better public services.
• The nations are uniting to combat climate change.