Word
conniving
Phoneticscon·niv·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/kəˈnaɪvɪŋ/
UK/kənˈaɪvɪŋ/
Definition
adj. secretly planning to trick people to get what you want. You use it for someone who is clever in a dishonest way.
adj. given to secret scheming to deceive others or gain an unfair advantage. Often describes a person or behaviour marked by cunning manipulation.
Examples
“She works with a conniving coworker who steals ideas.”
“The manager warns the new staff about the conniving salesman who promises discounts and then changes the terms.”
“Behind his polite smile, the conniving landlord quietly raises fees while blaming rising costs that never appear in the accounts.”
Examples
simple
“She works with a conniving coworker who steals ideas.”
contextual
“The manager warns the new staff about the conniving salesman who promises discounts and then changes the terms.”
complex
“Behind his polite smile, the conniving landlord quietly raises fees while blaming rising costs that never appear in the accounts.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “conniving” in context.
Verb
01. be conniving
“His new business partner seems charming but can be very conniving.”
verb + adj
02. conniving for power
“The drama is about brothers conniving for power after their father dies.”
adj + prep + noun
03. conniving to cheat
“They accused him of conniving to cheat on the final exam.”
adj + to + verb
04. expose as conniving
“The investigation exposed the mayor as conniving and corrupt.”
verb + prep + adj
Adjective
05. cunning conniving
“The novel features a cunning, conniving advisor who betrays the king.”
adj + adj
06. deceitful conniving
“Voters rejected the deceitful, conniving candidate in the election.”
adj + adj
Noun
07. conniving politician
“A conniving politician spread lies to win the election.”
adj + noun
08. conniving scheme
“They uncovered a conniving scheme to fix the prices.”
adj + noun
09. conniving smile
“He gave a conniving smile before announcing his plan.”
adj + noun
10. conniving villain
“The conniving villain tricks everyone to steal the inheritance.”
adj + noun
11. a conniving political rival
“He lost his job because of a conniving political rival.”
12. conniving plot to win
“The team discovered his conniving plot to win the election.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies; also used after 'be'.
Real-World Examples
“We excuse the fact that they’re ruthless and conniving because being ruthless and conniving is how people get rich — never mind that the Roy children got rich simply by being born.” Synonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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