maneuver 1 of 2

maneuver

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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
Those maneuvers worked well enough as the Chiefs worked their way through the AFC playoffs. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 9 June 2025 One of the 21st century’s most influential leaders, Putin has shaped his country’s political landscape for decades with a mix of strategic maneuvers, military aggression against Russia’s neighbors, and controversial policies. New Atlas, 9 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
  • Authorities spent hours trying to negotiate a peaceful surrender, police said.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 18 June 2025
  • The Englishman is represented by his mother Marcia Lewis, who negotiated the deal with Arsenal.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 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
  • 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
  • The only safe refuge, 20 miles away, is the federal garrison at Harpers Ferry, but reaching it will require much subterfuge and even more luck.
    Alida Becker, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Production is being handled by Fortiche Films (Jérôme Combe, Hervé Dupont), with Les Storygraphes and ARTE France onboard as co-producers.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 10 June 2025
  • The collection also includes three of Made In’s award-winning French knives—a chef knife, utility knife, and paring knife—with unique denim micarta knife handles.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 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

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Cite this Entry

“Maneuver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maneuver. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

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