MANIPULATIVE Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

manipulative

adjective

Definition of manipulative

as in deceptive

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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 manipulative What readers are saying The comments reflect a strong criticism of James O'Keefe and his methods, with many labeling him as deceitful and manipulative. — Scott Nover, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026 Then there’s another paragraph later in the book where Lee describes the role of a servant as extremely powerful and, in many ways, flatly manipulative. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026 Psychopathy is also characterized by a persistent pattern of antisocial or manipulative behaviors. — David Dematteo, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026 What does this manipulative, dark triad personality type feel like from the inside? — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manipulative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for manipulative

Adjective

Supporters say licensing will give California the authority to act on any complaints, and to investigate and penalize companies for unfair or deceptive practices.

— Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Esparza pushed back against the claim that the group was being deceptive.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of deceptive

Adjective

Hanuman inspires him to avenge the rape of his mother by a corrupt policeman working for a deceitful Hindu nationalist spiritual leader.

— Sohini Sarah Pillai, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026
Magpies are opportunistic scavengers, incredibly cunning and deceitful and capable of calculated deception.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of deceitful

Adjective

The fine was controversial to begin with, as fans and pundits pointed out the NFL’s business with beer sponsors such as Bud Light and called the sensitivity over the celebration hypocritical.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026
In his appeal, Juszczyk also argued that fining players for pretending to drink beer was hypocritical given the NFL’s beer sponsorships.

— Rick Maese, Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of hypocritical

Adjective

Dysert appeared as Sean Cudahy in 79 episodes of All My Children, from 1980-1990, a character described as a devious yet humorous con man and villain, who contrasted sharply with his brother, good guy Tom Cudahy (played by Richard Shoberg).

— Denise Petski, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2026
Salton is devious and untrustworthy, but is Batter’s only clear path to a promotion.

— Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of devious

Adjective

Magpies are opportunistic scavengers, incredibly cunning and deceitful and capable of calculated deception.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 28 Sep. 2026
Last week, Alan Cumming’s cunning competition empire The Traitors unsheathed its most diabolical twist yet.

— Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of cunning

Adjective

Finding no legal recourse in a city with a crooked police department and judiciary, Matt gives in to despair.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
Others convicted in relation to the robbery included Brian Reader, a career criminal who was involved in other high-profile robberies before and after Brink’s-Mat, crooked solicitor Michael Relton, and McAvoy’s wife, Kathleen.

— Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of crooked

Adjective

When batting, a player faces an adult who pitches slow and underhanded for four throws.

— Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
While underhanded lenders will go after anyone who can fog a mirror, seniors should be especially careful, the report says.

— Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of underhanded

Adjective

The 6-foot-2 Dysert first showed up as the scheming Sean, brother of the respectable Tom Cudahy (Richard Shoberg), on All My Children in 1979.

— Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026
Meanwhile, the palace has been besieged by loutish suitors, led by the scheming Antinous (Robert Pattinson), all of them vying for the queen’s hand in remarriage and mooching off the absent king’s food and wine.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 July 2026

Definition of scheming

Browse Nearby Words

manipulations

manipulative

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Style

“Manipulative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manipulative. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of manipulative

adjective

Example Sentences

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