maneuver 1 of 2

Definition of maneuvernext

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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of maneuver
Verb
The rest of the meeting had that politicians’ glint to it as Warsh cleared room to maneuver. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 17 June 2026 When Vegas was sputtering in late March, with the 19th-best record in the NHL, the fact that its core was signed long-term with little cap space to maneuver could’ve been easily viewed as a detriment. Jesse Granger, New York Times, 15 June 2026
Noun
The police car eventually stops the suspect's vehicle in a PIT maneuver. Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026 Officers attempted to use spike strips to end the pursuit before asking for permission to use a PIT maneuver. Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for maneuver
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maneuver
Verb
  • Pro-Russian groups are bombarding popular AI systems with propaganda to coax chatbots into regurgitating Kremlin talking points, according to senior European officials, raising concerns ahead of America’s midterm elections about how to respond to the growing attempt to silently manipulate voters.
    Jared Perlo, NBC news, 26 June 2026
  • States can also counter flag-of-convenience laundering by using financial intelligence to trace flag payments, reveal risks to insurers and financiers, and push rapid-deflagging for AIS-manipulating ships.
    Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • But Iran denied making any new commitments on monitoring, with state media reporting that Tehran did not negotiate the nuclear issue during 18 hours of discussions.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • The Heat and other NBA teams have been allowed to negotiate with their own impending free agents since June 14 — the day after the last game of the NBA Finals.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • One of the dogs involved in the attack was later found in Los Angeles County and seized.
    Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Two people were killed and seven others injured in Russian attacks on the northeastern Kharkiv region over the previous 24 hours, regional head Oleh Syniehubov said Friday.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • The Blacks’ defeat would be certain if not for dragons and subterfuge.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026
  • There is a long history of subterfuge at World Cups — a long history of sharing injury information that isn’t exactly transparent or even accurate.
    Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Bosch, the German engineering firm, says its British subsidiary now handles 10,000 import transactions per year, a stunning increase from just 40 annually prior to Brexit.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
  • According to the developers, the AI agent will create itineraries, handle arrangements, and try to anticipate what guests need.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Agents also intercepted calls between the two discussing drug and firearm trafficking, during which Rodriguez arranged for deliveries to be made to his home.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2026
  • Accordingly, the house is raised 14 feet above the ground, with rooms arranged primarily on one level.
    Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • According to Holtz, Whittingham was charged with murder, first-degree assault, first-degree assault on an elderly person and home invasion.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2026
  • Atanas Hristev, 44, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon late last month, according to court records.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Early the next morning, the authorities were at Burdette’s door, this time without a ruse.
    Keith O’Brien, New Yorker, 25 June 2026
  • Of course, this could all be a literally and figurative swift ruse on the part of the Miss Americana superstar and her Super Bowl-winning fiancé.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Maneuver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maneuver. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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