as in to control
chiefly US
to try to oversee all the small parts of (something, such as an activity) in a way that is usually not wanted or that causes problems
He micromanaged every detail of the budget.
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Recent Examples of micromanage
The goal of the law is for public schools to become more like the Republican party, which includes banning books and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives as well as micromanaging educators, Smith said.
—
Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025
If deadlines, a high-profile project or a micromanaging boss stress you out, try to view the hurdles as opportunities to rise to a challenge, rather than a threat to your career or livelihood, University of Pennsylvania burnout researcher Kandi Wiens told CNBC Make It in April 2024.
—Megan Sauer, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
Micromanagement One mistake people make in the early days of their leadership journey is micromanaging.
—Phil Portman, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
This means letting go of the impulse to micromanage and instead focusing on outcomes rather than processes.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for micromanage
Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025
If deadlines, a high-profile project or a micromanaging boss stress you out, try to view the hurdles as opportunities to rise to a challenge, rather than a threat to your career or livelihood, University of Pennsylvania burnout researcher Kandi Wiens told CNBC Make It in April 2024.
—Megan Sauer, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
Micromanagement One mistake people make in the early days of their leadership journey is micromanaging.
—Phil Portman, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
This means letting go of the impulse to micromanage and instead focusing on outcomes rather than processes.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for micromanage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for micromanage
Verb
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In 1950, the wall was reconstructed to control erosion and create artificial beaches.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
23 May 2025
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Cardinale and his team have long chased the Telegraph, but an earlier an earlier attempt to buy it through All3Media owner RedBird IMI, which is majority controlled out of the Middle East, was blocked by the Conservative Party.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Driving experience Air Ride Adaptive Suspension & Magnetic Ride Control: this adjusts the vehicle’s height and damping for handling various driving conditions.—
Brooke Crothers,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
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And then obviously handling the real creatures was fun.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
18 May 2025
Verb
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Life-changing events, including the loss of a spouse, early onset dementia or another medical issue, can trigger changes in the way someone would react to anyone who is experienced at manipulating people to part with their money.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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For instance, prompt injection attacks—a new twist on the traditional prompt injection attack, where malicious prompts manipulate AI behavior—require novel defensive approaches beyond conventional security controls.—
Omar Turner,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
Verb
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The opinion also addressed fears voiced by critics that allowing the firings of Wilcox and Harris would jeopardize the independence of the Federal Reserve.—
John Kruzel,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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Ye West, formerly known as Kanye West, made a rare public plea for forgiveness this week, addressing the hurt caused by his past antisemitic remarks.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
22 May 2025
Verb
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The manufacturing giant had resumed negotiating with the IAM union on May 22.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
25 May 2025
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But as state lawmakers negotiate the first state operating budget since the prison was shuttered, Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration is proposing that Stateville receive nearly as much funding as when the maximum security section of the facility was open.—
Olivia Olander,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
Verb
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In 2023, Florida ended a more than two-decade experiment that saw child protective investigators employed and supervised by sheriff’s offices in seven counties, including Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco.—
Christopher O’Donnell,
Miami Herald,
17 May 2025
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Over half of the meteorology positions the weather service is trying to fill are for lead meteorologist or more senior positions, including five meteorologists who supervise the forecast offices.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
Verb
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This process helps us self-audit, regulate our practices and identify areas for improvement.—
Geoff Scott,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
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Each one shapes how we’re perceived and how others regulate their own behavior in response.—
Scott Hutcheson,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Verb
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The man took the books from the Beachwood branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL) in early April, only to later post a video of himself burning the books on social media, according to a May 2 police report viewed by USA TODAY.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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One of our last photos of him was taken inside that diner, grinning at us over an orange coffee cup.—
Gwen Rockwood,
Arkansas Online,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Micromanage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/micromanage. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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