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 good news is that creating a framework that lets people use their judgment is far simpler than trying to micromanage daily decisions.
—
Philip K. Howard, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026
The company also argued the shareholder proposal amounts to micromanaging day-to-day operations.
—Mike Schneider, Fortune, 8 Dec. 2025
Both distrust markets, both want to micromanage industry, both are protectionist, both romanticize manufacturing work and resent the disruptions that come from open global competition.
—Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 4 Dec. 2025
What once was an obstacle to allowing others to help, has come under new management, finally allowing the rest of the family to jump in on the action without fear of being micromanaged.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for micromanage
Philip K. Howard, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026
The company also argued the shareholder proposal amounts to micromanaging day-to-day operations.
—Mike Schneider, Fortune, 8 Dec. 2025
Both distrust markets, both want to micromanage industry, both are protectionist, both romanticize manufacturing work and resent the disruptions that come from open global competition.
—Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 4 Dec. 2025
What once was an obstacle to allowing others to help, has come under new management, finally allowing the rest of the family to jump in on the action without fear of being micromanaged.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for micromanage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for micromanage
Verb
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Pinkston player Charles Riley (12) and Kimball player Kayden Gray (00) fight to control the ball during a Kimball High School versus Pinkston High School boys basketball playoff game at the Ellis Davis Field House in Dallas, Texas, on Mar 6, 2026.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Mar. 2026
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Some analysts say North Korea may be preparing to formally declare a maritime boundary that could encroach on waters controlled by rival South Korea.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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With a high, stable energy supply, the ship could support a larger number of these power-hungry containers, giving operators greater flexibility to handle cargo demand.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Mar. 2026
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His body could handle the demands.—
Douglas Robson,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Easter changes date every year, and the blooms on sale are carefully manipulated to bloom on time.—
Becky Wern,
Florida Times-Union,
7 Mar. 2026
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The most fantastical parts of the movie retain some of their power because Sher and Gyllenhaal subtly manipulate aspect ratio changes and a vertical growth across the film.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce released a comprehensive binational report Wednesday outlining a five-pillar strategy to address the Tijuana River contamination crisis, a problem that has plagued South San Diego County communities for decades.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026
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Oil prices are in focus after the International Energy Agency on Wednesday agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil to address the supply disruption triggered by the Iran war.—
Chloe Taylor,Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But general-education courses play a pivotal role in a department’s ability to recruit potential majors, pull in tuition revenue and negotiate hiring additional faculty.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
10 Mar. 2026
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Leagues and players’ associations negotiate workplace rules, and those agreements are exempt from antitrust scrutiny.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Temporary monitoring, including fire watch coverage, may help show that building managers took steps to supervise the property while repairs were underway.—
Matthew Kayser,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
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All schools will be open, breakfast and lunch will be provided, and all students will be properly supervised.—
Rick Hurd,
Mercury News,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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My go-to travel day outfit always includes an oversized shirt, and this linen option is an amazing temperature-regulating style to wear as temperatures begin to rise.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
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Many studies suggest that eating breakfast earlier may help regulate blood sugar.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Advice columnist Carolyn Hax takes your comments and questions most Fridays about life, family, relationships and more.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
27 Mar. 2026
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If possible, take some time to journal or meditate (napping would also be valid).—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Micromanage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/micromanage. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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