manipulative
adjective
ma·nip·u·la·tive mə-ˈni-pyə-ˌlā-tiv 
-lə-
: of, relating to, or performed by manipulation
Osteopathy emphasizes manipulative techniques to correct abnormalities thought to cause disease and inhibit recovery.—
Carol L. Otis et al.
Carol L. Otis et al.
especially : serving or intended to control or influence others in a deceptive and often unfair or selfish way
a clever and manipulative child
manipulative behavior
Simpleminded as his critics found his ideas and remarks, cynical and manipulative as he may have been in actuality, he seemed to believe every word he said. —Arthur Miller
Arthur Miller
manipulatively adverb
manipulativeness noun
Examples of manipulative in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Hamm played the manipulative ad man on Mad Men for seven seasons from 2007 to 2015, alongside his on-screen wife, Betty, played by January Jones. —Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026 This is why all the whining and complaining from small market teams across the sport is manipulative nonsense. —Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who could repeat as league MVP, is as efficient and manipulative on offense as ever. —The Athletic Nba Staff, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2026 Even the leader of the free world can exhibit the impetuous, manipulative, disruptive behaviors of a spoiled child — behaviors that go beyond classroom disruptions and that can potentially disrupt the entire world. —Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manipulative
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026 This is why all the whining and complaining from small market teams across the sport is manipulative nonsense. —Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who could repeat as league MVP, is as efficient and manipulative on offense as ever. —The Athletic Nba Staff, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2026 Even the leader of the free world can exhibit the impetuous, manipulative, disruptive behaviors of a spoiled child — behaviors that go beyond classroom disruptions and that can potentially disrupt the entire world. —Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manipulative
Cite this Entry
“Manipulative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/manipulative. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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