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

In the modern Christmas spirit, the manipulative version of what the economist Adam Smith called the invisible hand of the market meets the human yearning for structured distraction. —Maria Balaska, Time, 20 Dec. 2025

Nina is a glamorous but unstable housewife who initially seems charming and generous before revealing a volatile, manipulative side. —Katie Mannion, PEOPLE, 19 Dec. 2025

Is the kiss — the most striking act of intimacy Carol has experienced since the death of her wife — manipulative? —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 19 Dec. 2025

His innocence is preyed upon by two manipulative pirates in The SpongeBob Movie. —Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 19 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for manipulative

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