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 In fact, osteopathic manipulative medicine focusing on circulation and innervation is a central modality during training. — Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026 He’s recruited by a manipulative former acquaintance (Matthew Goode) and a siren with the improbable name of Luvlee Lemons (Isla Fisher) to steal a fortune from a local bank. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026 In The Idol Depp plays Jocelyn, a struggling pop star who becomes entangled with manipulative, sleazy nightclub owner Tedros (Tesfaye). — Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026 There’s a mental health aspect to this, but there’s also somebody that’s [allegedly] controlling and manipulative. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manipulative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for manipulative

Adjective

When a system can drop the fourth wall unprompted, ingest its own structural tells and re‑engage with unvarnished candor, the vulnerability shifts from deceptive compliance to authentic resonance.

— Terry Oroszi, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
López’s attorney sent Rivas and her group a cease-and-desist letter last month, citing trademark infringement and deceptive and unfair trade practices, the letter shows.

— Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of deceptive

Adjective

Bogus texts, mystery calls, deceitful emails all aimed at stealing your personal information and your money are relentless.

— Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
The mutual trust and goodwill that xenia sought to cultivate has been eroded by this one deceitful act, creating a world that is defined by this moral violation.

— Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 19 July 2026

Definition of deceitful

Adjective

There is something deeply hypocritical about discovering and using the language of women’s liberation only when your own status, reputation, or income is at stake.

— Laura Jung, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
That some people in these industries, including those who are well paid, would look at our economy and seek out other ways of doing things is neither hypocritical nor surprising.

— Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of hypocritical

Adjective

That is one of the tantalizing questions bubbling up in A Talent for Murder, in which Helen Mirren embodies Highsmith in all her devious, scowling genius.

— Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026
The cowardly, devious Turgeniev has assimilated to the comforts of the West —that alone is enough for Fyodor to detest him.

— Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of devious

Adjective

But the heart of this story is the toxic years-long romance between Marjorie and her co-conspirator Bill Rothstein (David Harbour), an equally cunning player who was blinded by love.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2026
Supporters of the administration view this back and forth as a cunning ploy to buy time for the United States to position itself more advantageously for a confrontation.

— Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of cunning

Adjective

An incoming generation, simply by their existence, dislodged a crooked anxiety that the new face of Asian America is Wasian.

— E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026
Under Mitchell, Pecora showed, the nation’s largest bank had become an impeccably groomed racketeering enterprise, dressing up crooked enterprises as gilt-edged to sell their bonds and stocks to unsuspecting buyers.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of crooked

Adjective

As Cronenworth beat Ashby to first base by a few inches, beating Bauer’s underhanded toss and keeping the inning alive, Tatis alertly scored the tying run.

— Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
The most common theory is that someone, and probably someone rich, seeks to improve their view of the lake in a monstrous and underhanded fashion, leaving both the trees and the town’s beach-goers as collective victims.

— Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of underhanded

Adjective

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
The show gestures at the classic targets of old-timey sexism, small-mindedness, and nativism—much of it embodied by Gasteyer’s scheming character—but only in the safest possible ways.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026

Definition of scheming

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manipulations

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mankind

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“Manipulative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manipulative. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of manipulative

adjective

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