What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cahoot
Example
The two criminals were in cahoots to plan the bank heist. [cahoot: noun]
Example
She suspected that her colleagues were in cahoots with the competitor to steal company secrets. [in cahoots: idiom]
connivance
Example
The manager's connivance with the employee's embezzlement scheme was discovered during the audit. [connivance: noun]
Example
She suspected that her supervisor was in connivance with the corrupt officials to manipulate the bidding process. [in connivance: idiom]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Connivance is more commonly used than cahoot in everyday language. Connivance is a versatile term that can be applied to various situations where someone silently supports or allows wrongdoing. Cahoot, on the other hand, is less common and is typically used in more specific contexts related to criminal activities or secret partnerships.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cahoot and connivance?
Both cahoot and connivance are relatively formal words. They are more likely to be used in written or formal contexts rather than in casual or informal conversations.