conniving

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "conniving" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means to be slyly or cunningly scheming. Example sentence: The conniving politician used a variety of tricks to get elected.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

John is a lawyer: slick, conniving and low.

The Guardian - Film

I think she's a conniving little cow".

The Guardian

But will she be the last conniving little cow standing?

The Guardian

And quite possibly, Victoria is a conniving little cow.

The Guardian

IT IS a sad irony that the man widely seen, when he took office 19 months ago, as the best hope for Indonesian democracy is now clinging to power by conniving at mob rule and toying with the assumption of dictatorial powers.

The Economist

The jury heard dozens of conversations that showed him as foul-mouthed, boastful and conniving.

The Economist

Most Chinese analysts suspect Mr Noda of conniving with Mr Ishihara, who has since launched his own party.In response to the "nationalisation" of the disputed islands, China lodged its claim to "territorial baselines" around them and is sending (civilian) government patrol vessels into their waters ever more frequently.

The Economist

More than simply ignoring or conniving at preparations for the attack, argued India's prime minister, Manmohan Singh, some of its agencies must have been actively involved in an operation of such sophistication.The dossier includes the interrogation of the one surviving attacker, intercepted communications, and the evidence of their weaponry.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

More precisely, if we take a fictional sentence "p" on its non-conniving use as elliptical for "According to the story S, p", then "p" so understood is true in the actual world if and only if "p", taken as uttered in the context of the story S (that is, a fictional context), is true in the world of that context.

SEP

It is in fact relatively easy to discern the sense in which the fictional sentence on its non-conniving use is really true.

SEP

They are meant as sentences that capture the non-conniving use of fictional sentences like (6).) Let us now go back to the amendment to Russellianism we were considering.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conniving" to add depth to negative character portrayals by suggesting not only dishonesty but also a calculated and secretive nature.

Common error

Avoid using "conniving" to describe characters who are simply misguided or ignorant. "Conniving" implies a level of calculation and intentional deception that wouldn't fit those characters.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "conniving" primarily functions to describe a person or entity characterized by secret plotting and manipulative actions. It adds a layer of negativity and moral judgment to the description. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "conniving" functions as an adjective used to depict individuals or entities prone to secretive plotting and manipulation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this word is grammatically correct and commonly found within varied sources, primarily in the News & Media and Encyclopedia domains, to stress untrustworthiness and deception. When writing, it's important to consider the subtle differences between "conniving" and similar terms such as "scheming" or "manipulative", and to accurately reflect the character's actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scheming

Similar to conniving, but emphasizes the planning and plotting aspect.

devious

Focuses on indirectness and a tendency to mislead.

sly

Implies a clever and secretive form of deception.

cunning

Highlights intelligence and skill in deceiving.

manipulative

Emphasizes the attempt to control others for personal gain.

underhanded

Stresses the unfair and dishonest nature of the actions.

treacherous

Indicates a betrayal of trust and potential for harm.

insidious

Suggests a subtle and gradual form of deception.

Machiavellian

Implies ruthlessness and disregard for morality in achieving goals.

crafty

Focuses on skill and ingenuity in deceiving, sometimes with a lighter tone.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "conniving" in a sentence?

Use "conniving" to describe someone who is secretly plotting and scheming to achieve a goal, often through deceitful means. For example, "The "conniving politician" manipulated the media to win the election".

What are some alternatives to "conniving"?

You can use alternatives like "scheming", "devious", or "manipulative" depending on the context.

Is "conniving" a formal or informal word?

"Conniving" falls in the neutral register. It is suitable for news, media, and general conversation, but might not be appropriate for highly formal or academic writing without careful consideration.

What's the difference between "conniving" and "scheming"?

While both words imply planning and plotting, "conniving" often suggests a more secretive and underhanded approach, while "scheming" may simply refer to elaborate planning. "Conniving" often has stronger negative connotations.