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
Countermeasures include multiple warheads per missile, decoy warheads and warheads that can maneuver or are difficult to track, among others. Matthew Bunn, The Conversation, 6 June 2025 The company so far has two such vehicles: the smaller Mira craft, which has flown two missions, and Helios, which can maneuver heavier payloads and will begin flying in 2026. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 3 June 2025
Noun
Texas and other states leveraged this principle to resist enforcing equal rights, employing legal maneuvers, intimidation, and violence to maintain white supremacy. Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 18 June 2025 But the corporation soon responds with a series of complicated legal maneuvers that place her on the hook for a $21,000 bill to one of its subsidiaries. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for maneuver
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maneuver
Verb
  • But the lesson of the ’74 Act is clear: Absent congressional will, lawmakers inevitably will find ways to manipulate their own rules to make deficits even worse.
    Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Our Senate and representatives are all manipulating their own power rather than running the country.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • The Englishman is represented by his mother Marcia Lewis, who negotiated the deal with Arsenal.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • Authorities spent hours trying to negotiate a peaceful surrender, police said.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Iran, previously saying its nuclear program is solely for civilian purposes, has hit back with waves of missile attacks on Israel.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
  • Kernodle received a delivery less than 10 minutes before the attack, which happened just after 4 a.m. on Nov. 13, 2022.
    Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • The facility had been subject to sabotage and subterfuge by Israel for many years even before these attacks–including a computer virus that wrecked the centrifuges over a decade ago.
    Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 26 June 2025
  • When the magazine writer Dylan (Daryl Wein) and his girlfriend and photographer, Lucy (Abigail Cowen), descend upon the rocker Milo (Jack Farthing), there’s subterfuge afoot.
    Lisa Kennedy, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • His approval on handling inflation and the cost of living has also fallen by nearly 6 points in the same period.
    Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • From floral arrangements to first dances, every detail matters—and at Walters Wedding Estates, every detail is handled with care, transparency, and a passion for making those dreams come true.
    Rhiannon Frater, USA Today, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Palm Beach County Commissioner Sara Baxter has rushed to arrange a commission vote, ratifying it.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025
  • Attentive staffers will be on hand for towel drops and spritz refills, as well as to help arrange water sports or beach games.
    Cameron Sperance, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 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
  • The police investigation that followed included surveillance and a ruse where investigators answered local prostitution ads and were directed to the home.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 16 June 2025
  • But this ruse is like the broader trans movement itself, which obliges you to deny the evidence dangling before your own eyes.
    The Editors, National Review, 4 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maneuver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maneuver. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on maneuver

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!