maneuver 1 of 2

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
Jane Doe 2 said Robinson would maneuver her away from security cameras and assault her, which happened at least 23 times. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 6 May 2025 Takeoff is the same – passengers feel the roar of the engine as the plane is maneuvered by the pilot to the runway swiftly and cautiously. Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 6 May 2025
Noun
The legal maneuvers underpinning the lawsuits give the courts an opportunity to profoundly change America’s public schooling system. Sophie Hills, Christian Science Monitor, 29 Apr. 2025 At these altitudes, the glide vehicle can take advantage of aerodynamic forces for maneuvers. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for maneuver
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maneuver
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
  • Trump signed an executive order on Monday encouraging linking the cost of prescription drugs to what's paid in other nations where drug prices are negotiated by their government and tend to be much lower.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • The deal was negotiated by Tony Piantedosi and Rachel White on behalf of Vertical and by WME Independent on behalf of the filmmakers.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • The attack left about 1,200 people dead, and militants captured Alexander and some 250 others to hold hostage. 'Greatest gift': Family of NJ's Edan Alexander heads to Israel as Hamas agrees to release How many hostages remain in Gaza?
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli soldier, was captured while on duty during the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • The line that the AI isn’t forming a personal opinion is a kind of sneaky subterfuge.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • Even under sweeping Western sanctions, Russia was able to stay afloat through subterfuge and with support from allies like China and North Korea.
    Linggong Kong, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • This names someone who can pay your bills and otherwise handle your finances if you become incapacitated.
    Liz Weston, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Fearing that terrorists or criminals might use such technology to plan attacks, arrange financing or recruit members, the Clinton administration advocated a system called the Clipper Chip, based on a concept of key escrow.
    Richard Forno, The Conversation, 16 May 2025
  • To offset its own risk, Christie’s arranged for outside buyers to place pre-sale bids on certain lots.
    Lillian Ali, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Beijing has also softened its regulatory assault on Chinese technology companies and the property sector.
    Jacky Wong, WSJ, 6 Feb. 2023
  • Zelenskyy has warned for weeks that Moscow aims to step up its assault after about two months of virtual stalemate along the front line that stretches across the south and east.
    Reuters, NBC News, 31 Jan. 2023
Noun
  • Can Charity, who is not exactly mentally stable, maintain the ruse forever?
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 2 May 2025
  • Despite multiple interviews, background checks, and reference calls, the ruse held until malware activity triggered an alert.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Maneuver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maneuver. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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