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 an artful 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

Read on to find out what happened to Assi and what Bhogal is doing now after admitting to the manipulative scheme. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024

Henry also called out Payne’s manipulative tactics. —Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 17 Oct. 2024

Be mindful of manipulative tendencies (whether from others or yourself), and make sure your communication is clear and honest, as this is a time to redefine your connections for the better. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 12 Oct. 2024

So did the writers ever consider not making Phoebe as manipulative as her mother Bebe? —Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above