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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 micromanage
Their need to control, criticise, and micromanage can drain your energy and cloud your sense of purpose or even identity.
—
Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Ending consent decrees part of Trump's larger DOJ revamp
Among Trump's allies in the law enforcement ranks, there are cheers among those who argue consent decrees micromanage departments and were overused by the previous administration.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 27 May 2025
Washington shouldn't be in the business of micromanaging how people use their own money.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
The sweeping court agreements being negotiated with the police departments in both cities would have micromanaged management, training, performance evaluations, discipline, recruitment and hiring, Dhillon added.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for micromanage
Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Ending consent decrees part of Trump's larger DOJ revamp
Among Trump's allies in the law enforcement ranks, there are cheers among those who argue consent decrees micromanage departments and were overused by the previous administration.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 27 May 2025
Washington shouldn't be in the business of micromanaging how people use their own money.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
The sweeping court agreements being negotiated with the police departments in both cities would have micromanaged management, training, performance evaluations, discipline, recruitment and hiring, Dhillon added.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for micromanage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for micromanage
Verb
-
The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
28 June 2025
-
Fort Worth firefighters quickly controlled a two-alarm fire at Hulen Mall on Friday night, and shoppers and employees were evacuated from the building.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 June 2025
Verb
-
These terms remain in effect until February 1, 2026, at which point Capital One will update its policies regarding guests and additional users to handle issues of overcrowding.—
Paul Rubio,
AFAR Media,
23 June 2025
-
The day-to-day operations of Crystal Palace are handled by chairman Steve Parish, as well as Josh Harris and David Blitzer, who own the Devils and Philadelphia 76ers.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
23 June 2025
Verb
-
Our Senate and representatives are all manipulating their own power rather than running the country.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
18 June 2025
-
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
Verb
-
Breslow addressed three areas of need in starting pitching, bullpen help and another bat for the lineup.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
-
Attorney General Pam Bondi, though, struggled on Friday to address how exactly administration is planning to implement Trump's order.—
Devin Dwyer,
ABC News,
27 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
Verb
-
The flights will have regular communications with air traffic control towers, a wide array of sensors on board and someone supervising the plane from below. Plans for the company’s air taxis also are being tested at two other U.S. airports., Houston and Long Beach, California.—
Vinod Sreeharsha,
Miami Herald,
17 June 2025
-
Never feed or approach bears, secure all garbage, clean and store grills and fire pits properly, store any toys when not in use and make sure young children and pets are supervised when outside.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
Verb
-
Clouds play an important role in regulating the climate.—
Max G. Levy,
Smithsonian Magazine,
26 June 2025
-
Last week, the Senate approved the stablecoin bill, establishing a framework to regulate these digital currencies that are linked to the U.S. dollar.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Verb
-
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has taken the opposite approach in aiding Israel in a defensive capacity while considering launching offensive strikes against Tehran.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
19 June 2025
-
Thrifty-minded, Schreiber also takes pride in her unconventional travel hacks to avoid the overnight scaries of searching for a place to rest her head alone, like finding overnight transportation that gets her from point A to point B while simultaneously providing shelter.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
19 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Micromanage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/micromanage. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share