<p><strong>verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>to cooperate secretly; conspire (often followed by with): They connived to take over the business.</li><li>to avoid noticing something that one is expected to oppose or condemn; give aid to wrongdoing by forbearing to act or speak (usually followed by at): The policeman connived at traffic violations.</li><li>to be indulgent toward something others oppose or criticize (usually followed by at): to connive at childlike exaggerations.</li></ul><p><strong>Synonyms</strong></p><ul><li>collude</li><li>plot</li></ul>