General Synonyms:
* Collude: This is the most direct synonym, meaning to secretly cooperate for an illegal or dishonest purpose.
* Conspire: This implies a more formal agreement to carry out an illegal or harmful act.
* Intrigue: This suggests a more subtle and manipulative approach to achieve a goal.
* Scheme: This suggests a plan, often involving deception or manipulation.
* Plot: Similar to "scheme," this suggests a plan to do something illegal or harmful.
More Specific Synonyms:
* Abet: This emphasizes actively encouraging or assisting in wrongdoing.
* Tolerate: This suggests passively allowing something wrong to happen.
* Overlook: This implies intentionally ignoring something wrong.
* Turn a blind eye: Similar to "overlook," but more informal.
* Look the other way: Similar to "turn a blind eye."
The best synonym for "connive" will depend on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.