maneuver 1 of 2

maneuver

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word maneuver different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of maneuver are artifice, feint, ruse, stratagem, trick, and wile. While all these words mean "an indirect means to gain an end," maneuver suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty.

last-minute maneuvers to avert bankruptcy

Where would artifice be a reasonable alternative to maneuver?

While in some cases nearly identical to maneuver, artifice implies ingenious contrivance or invention.

the clever artifices of the stage

When is it sensible to use feint instead of maneuver?

The meanings of feint and maneuver largely overlap; however, feint implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent.

a feint toward the enemy's left flank

When is ruse a more appropriate choice than maneuver?

The words ruse and maneuver can be used in similar contexts, but ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression.

the ruses of smugglers

In what contexts can stratagem take the place of maneuver?

The words stratagem and maneuver are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy.

the stratagem-filled game

When would trick be a good substitute for maneuver?

In some situations, the words trick and maneuver are roughly equivalent. However, trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end.

the tricks of the trade

When could wile be used to replace maneuver?

Although the words wile and maneuver have much in common, wile suggests an attempt to entrap or deceive with false allurements.

used all of his wiles to ingratiate himself

Examples of maneuver in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
This Dyson cordless vacuum has a sleek, lightweight design that’s easy to maneuver and astoundingly powerful. Clara McMahon, People.com, 9 Oct. 2024 The square-column design is easy to maneuver and pack, and the side pocket for your shoes and gear is just as protected as the main compartment. Red Fabbri, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2024
Noun
However, acts that are harder to prosecute such as verbal harassment remain rampant, and in the water, members frequently perform maneuvers that put nonlocals in dangerous situations, Matturi said. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2024 But the maneuver looks less motivated by concern about the banking system and more motivated by gaining leverage over the highly profitable asset-management industry, which is otherwise mostly outside the jurisdiction of the FDIC. Dan Ikenson, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for maneuver 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'maneuver.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near maneuver

Cite this Entry

“Maneuver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maneuver. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on maneuver

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!