Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or characteristic of a conspiracy or conspirators: Describing something that suggests a secret plan to do something unlawful or harmful, or that resembles the behavior of people involved in such a plan.
   • Suggestive of secrecy or shared understanding: Having a manner that implies a private, often secretive, knowledge or agreement between a limited group of people.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • He gave me a conspiratorial wink, signaling that our secret plan was still on.
  • The two politicians exchanged conspiratorial glances during the public hearing.
  • Her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper as she shared the confidential news.

Advanced Usage

• "in a conspiratorial tone/manner": Speaking or acting in a way that suggests a shared secret.

  • She leaned in and spoke in a conspiratorial tone about the office gossip.

• "conspiratorial air/atmosphere": An environment or feeling suggestive of hidden plots or secrets.

  • The meeting had a conspiratorial air, with everyone speaking in hushed voices.

Variants and Related Words

• Conspiracy (n): A secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful.

  • The police uncovered a conspiracy to rob the bank.

• Conspirator (n): A person who takes part in a conspiracy.

  • The conspirators met in secret to finalize their plot.

• Conspiratorially (adv): In a conspiratorial manner.

  • He nodded conspiratorially, confirming his involvement.

Synonyms

• Secretive: Inclined to conceal feelings, intentions, or actions.
• Clandestine: Kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit.
• Furtive: Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble.

Antonyms

• Open: Done or acting without concealment.
• Frank: Open, honest, and direct in speech or writing.
• Aboveboard: Legitimate, honest, and open.

Related Phrases

• In cahoots (with someone): Colluding or conspiring with someone.

  • The two companies were in cahoots to fix the prices.

• A nod and a wink: An action or statement that is suggestive and indicates a shared secret understanding.

  • The agreement was made with a nod and a wink, nothing official was written down.

Adjective

1. relating to or characteristic of conspiracy or conspirators
   • a conspiratorial whisper
   • the discovery of possible conspirative codes