WordValecollusion
secret cooperation to deceive or commit fraud
In more detail
1. (noun) a secret agreement between two or more people to do something illegal or dishonest
2. (noun) the act of working together secretly to deceive or cheat someone
Examples
- 1. The investigation revealed collusion between the two companies to fix prices.
- 2. The referee was accused of collusion with the opposing team's coach.
How to use collusion
Collusion refers to secret, deliberate cooperation between parties to achieve a dishonest or illegal goal, typically involving deception of a third party. It carries a strongly negative connotation and is commonly used in legal, political, and business contexts. It differs from conspiracy in that it emphasizes the hidden agreement and mutual cooperation rather than a broader plot.
Common phrases
- collusion with
- in collusion with
- allegation of collusion
- collusion between
- collusion to
Synonyms
conspiracy · complicity · connivance · collusion · secret agreement
Opposites
transparency · honesty · disclosure
Word family
collude (verb) · colluder (noun) · collusive (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use collusion to mean mere cooperation or coordination without the necessary element of secrecy and dishonesty; collusion always implies wrongdoing.
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