conspire

verb

con·​spire kən-ˈspī(-ə)r 

conspired; conspiring

transitive verb

: plot, contrive

intransitive verb

1

a

: to join in a secret agreement to do an unlawful or wrongful act or an act which becomes unlawful as a result of the secret agreement

accused of conspiring to overthrow the government

conspired to monopolize and restrict trade

b

: scheme

2

: to act in harmony toward a common end

Circumstances conspired to defeat his efforts.

… the sun and the wind conspired to make splinters out of solid wood.

—B. J. Oliphant

Synonyms

• collude
• compass
• connive
• contrive
• intrigue
• machinate
• plot
• put up
• scheme

Examples of conspire in a Sentence

conspired to replace the leader with someone more easily influenced

foul weather and airline foul-ups seemed to be conspiring to ruin our vacation

Recent Examples on the Web

Zeidman pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2024

Rivera also admitted in his plea agreement to conspiring with Francisco Javier, who was sentenced to life in prison in 2007 in San Diego federal court. —Alex Riggins, The Mercury News, 5 Dec. 2024

One of the players, Malaya Jones, has been accused of conspiring with San Jose State University's transgender player, Blaire Fleming, to influence the outcome of a game between the schools and hit Fleming's teammate, Brooke Slusser, in the face with a ball during a match. —Ryan Morik, Fox News, 30 Nov. 2024

Maduro's government issued an arrest warrant for González, whom the U.S. and other countries recognize as the winner, accusing him of sabotaging the election and conspiring against the government. —Christopher Intagliata, NPR, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French conspirer, from Latin conspirare to be in harmony, conspire, from com- + spirare to breathe

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

conspire

verb

con·​spire kən-ˈspī(ə)r 

conspired; conspiring

1

: to agree secretly to do an unlawful act : plot

conspiring to overthrow the dictator

2

: to act together

delays and the weather conspired to spoil our vacation

Legal Definition

conspire

intransitive verb

con·​spire kən-ˈspīr 

conspired; conspiring

: to join in a conspiracy compare solicit

Etymology

Latin conspirare to be in harmony, to join in an unlawful agreement, from com- together + spirare to breathe