English 
español 
française 
italiano 
deutsche 
日本語 
polski 
česky 
svenska 
Türkçe 
Nederlands 
"Conniving" vs. "scheming": a subtle dance of deception
Lloyd Cooper Today, 06:26
What is similar?
Both "conniving" and "scheming" describe behavior that is cunning and often deceitful, involving secretive and underhanded planning to achieve a particular end, typically to gain advantage over others.
What is different?
The word "conniving" implies a willingness to conspire or assist in underhanded plots, often with a sense of moral compromise or betrayal. It can carry a sense of passive complicity. "Scheming" describes proactive planning and plotting, usually with the intent of achieving one's goals, which may be selfish or unscrupulous. While both indicate deceitful intentions, "conniving" focuses more on the acquiescent or compliant involvement, whereas "scheming" emphasizes the active role in planning.
Which one is more common?
Examples of usage
Conniving- She was conniving with her colleagues to undermine the new manager.
- His conniving nature made it difficult to trust him.
- They accused him of being conniving in his ascent to power.
- The scheming villain devised an intricate plot to take over the company.
- She was always scheming ways to get ahead of her competitors.
- His scheming mind never seemed to rest, always planning the next move.
Recommended posts in 
Difference
"Secretly" vs. "surreptitiously": shades of stealth
The word "secretly" often implies doing something without others knowing, ... Learn more →
"Land" vs. "territory": exploring shared ground and shifting boundaries
"Land" generally refers to the solid part of the Earth's ... Learn more →
Required by rule: tracing the paths of "obligatory" and "mandatory"
"Obligatory" often relates to moral, social, or customary expectations and ... Learn more →
From giggles to mischief: dissecting "prank" vs. "joke"
A "prank" is typically an action or trick played on ... Learn more →