conspire

word

Definition

To secretly plan with others to do something harmful or illegal. Sometimes it can also mean to work together secretly for a particular result.

Usage & Nuances

'Conspire' is formal and usually negative, implying secrecy and wrongdoing. Common collocations: 'conspire against', 'conspire to do something'. Sometimes used metaphorically for events that seem to work against someone: 'Everything seemed to conspire against us.'

Example Sentences

The two men conspired to steal the money.

basic

They conspired against their boss.

basic

Three countries conspired to start a war.

basic

I can't believe everyone conspired to throw me a surprise party!

natural

It felt like fate conspired to keep us apart.

natural

Several workers conspired to leak the company's secrets to the press.

natural