collusion

[kuh-loo-zhuhn] / kəˈlu ʒən /

NOUN

secret understanding, often with intent to defraud

Synonyms

STRONGEST

complicity conspiracy deceit scam

STRONG

bunco cahoots connivance craft dodge flimflam fraudulence graft guilt guiltiness intrigue plot racket scheme skunk sting trick whitewash

WEAK

bait and switch bill of goods con game diddling double-cross fast shuffle flam fraudulent artifice shell game

Antonyms

STRONG

honesty

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Real-estate deals in the region are often marked by corruption and collusion between officials and business interests, according to several nonprofits and international organisations.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

Charges of corporate collusion and conspiracy are central to both cases.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

Voting for the tournaments had been shrouded in controversy with claims of collusion and deals, but the deeds were already done.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

Other municipalities, too, have filed lawsuits alleging collusion among fire-engine makers, including the city of La Crosse, Wis., and Augusta, Maine.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

It was a truly hilarious moment, but all I seem to have achieved this time is a totally unexpected collusion between Engel and Thibaut.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein

Vocabulary lists containing collusion

The Pearl

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100 SAT words Beginning with "C"

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This Week in Words: October 28 - November 3, 2017

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