as in to control
chiefly US
to try to oversee all the small parts of (something, such as an activity) in a way that is usually not wanted or that causes problems
He micromanaged every detail of the budget.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of micromanage
The incessant crackdowns, and the campaigns of censorship or censoriousness, suggest that the Chinese regime is intent on not just eliminating opposition, but also micromanaging its people’s lifestyles, consumption, and beliefs.
—
Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 26 Aug. 2025
That doesn’t mean burning out or micromanaging every detail.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 24 Aug. 2025
Pushing your opinion or micromanaging others can backfire on the job today.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 28 July 2025
In his exit memo, Bennett urged the commission to avoid micromanaging the negotiation process and instead focus on big-picture policy, public engagement and trust-building.
—Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for micromanage
Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 26 Aug. 2025
That doesn’t mean burning out or micromanaging every detail.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 24 Aug. 2025
Pushing your opinion or micromanaging others can backfire on the job today.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 28 July 2025
In his exit memo, Bennett urged the commission to avoid micromanaging the negotiation process and instead focus on big-picture policy, public engagement and trust-building.
—Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for micromanage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for micromanage
Verb
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After the fire is fully contained, the next step is to control it.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
5 Sep. 2025
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Merino wool also has natural temperature-regulating and odor-controlling properties—both of which are ideal for hiking.—
Anne Taylor,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Bowlan will go over different notes from the pitching staff and check in with his veteran teammates for advice on pitch selection and how to handle high-leverage situations.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
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Canales likely doesn’t want to cause an issue, especially this early in the season, by mandating how the defensive play-caller handles his various rotations and depth chart.—
Mike Kaye
September 10,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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When writers see and manipulate structure, words become poetry.—
Rebecca Coffey,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Cyrus was quick to defend herself, implying her words had been manipulated by the Times.—
Kate Hogan,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The country’s Human Rights Commission urged restraint on how the government should address the protests.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
9 Sep. 2025
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Seclusion and restraint The use of restraint and seclusion practices to address disabled students’ behavioral issues has increasingly become a debated issue among education specialists.—
IndyStar,
IndyStar,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Many of the examples are stark, like the Potawatomi Nation which had negotiated with the federal government in hopes of staying in their homelands in the upper Midwest.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
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Neighbors Settling down in the suburbs with their newborn, Kelly (Rose Byrne) and Mac (Seth Rogen) attempt to negotiate a quiet-hours pact with the frat house next door.—
James Mercadante,
PEOPLE,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The military, led by an officer known only as the Major (Mark Hamill, the right amount of hammy), remains in control and supervises the Walk.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
3 Sep. 2025
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The complainant also said parents needed to supervise and teach their children how to use equipment safely.—
Gillian Stawiszynski,
The Enquirer,
31 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Researchers have found that curcumin—the primary compound found in turmeric—has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help regulate blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
8 Sep. 2025
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The Northern Sea Route is generally viewed as more developed and regulated, with Moscow investing heavily in infrastructure as part of a broader campaign to gain an upper hand in the Arctic.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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But just like the men who understood changing a diaper in the 1990s didn't take away their manliness, so can participating in their spouse's emotional needs.—
Laura Trujillo,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
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Arsenal know that and Smith will take no time proving it.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Micromanage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/micromanage. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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