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.

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

manipulatively adverb

manipulativeness noun

Examples of manipulative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The idea of using manipulative marketing language to describe something so threatening is insane. —Brent Lang, Variety, 15 June 2026

So when the workings of the world, with its shouty messaging and manipulative storylines, get to be too much—when all of that strategized meaning feels like an imposition—go to the Met or Olana or your nearest Church. —Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 13 June 2026

Out flood centuries of memories, including Lestat’s childhood in rural France with a cruel father and manipulative mother, Gabriella (Jennifer Ehle); his first romance, with violinist Nicolas de Lenfent (Joseph Potter); and the anguish of his own turning into a vampire. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 June 2026

And as the 60-something Tony, Gregory North crafts a character who is equal parts stubborn and manipulative, and kind and generous. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for manipulative

• accommodative
• accumulative
• adjudicative
• administrative
• affiliative
• agglutinative
• ameliorative
• appreciative
• assimilative
• associative
• authoritative
• collaborative