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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
Fahim, a financial analyst, was reportedly frustrated by the amount of work Cuomo would assign him, and had claimed Cuomo was micromanaging him.
—
Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Instead, Putin spends more time in underground bunkers micromanaging his war, paranoid about a coup or an assassination attempt by Ukrainian drones, sources told the Financial Times.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 9 May 2026
The key was not to micromanage them.
—Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 8 May 2026
The superintendent’s role is not to micromanage lesson plans.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for micromanage
Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Instead, Putin spends more time in underground bunkers micromanaging his war, paranoid about a coup or an assassination attempt by Ukrainian drones, sources told the Financial Times.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 9 May 2026
The key was not to micromanage them.
—Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 8 May 2026
The superintendent’s role is not to micromanage lesson plans.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for micromanage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for micromanage
Verb
-
This reaction, however, produces heat, which can be controlled through adding chemical inhibitors or utilizing release valves, chemists say.—
Jason Henry,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
In skincare, it’s commonly used to control oil, reduce acne, soothe irritation, and support the skin barrier.—
Tatiana Dias,
Vogue,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Last season Hustus handled more than 16,000 lobsters all while chatting animatedly with visitors from around the world—and often introducing them to their first tastes of lobster.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
-
The county civil grand jury concluded the school board canceled the contract based on a misrepresentation of the facts, failed to act in students’ best interest, disparaged the school community and took actions that were supposed to be handled by district staff.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
That echoes findings of a delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which visited Yerevan in May and said foreign interference included illicit political financing, cyberattacks, economic coercion and direct attempts to manipulate the electoral process.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 June 2026
-
The number then becomes harder to interpret and easier to manipulate.—
James Broughel,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
Despite undergoing surgery last week to address a broken pinky finger, New York center Mitchell Robinson will play in Game 1 tonight, the team told reporters.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
4 June 2026
-
Ohtani was back to a full starter’s workload for the first time since 2023, even mentioning fatigue in his postgame interview after his second start of the season, and before games was working to address his offensive struggles.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Mamdani negotiated 1,000 affordable tickets from FIFA at $50 each, with free round-trip transportation, for New Yorkers who won a lottery.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
9 June 2026
-
After submitting an internet bill for review, Rocket Money successfully negotiated a lower monthly rate, reducing the cost from $90 to $50 per month.—
Nick Perry,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
To reduce the risk of an encounter with bears, the Mammoth Lakes Police Department and wildlife authorities advised the public to never approach bears, keep garbage securely stored, do not leave food outside, and keep dogs leashed and supervised.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
-
Espinoza urged parents to enroll children in swimming lessons, supervise children around water at all times and learn CPR.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
According to Beemiller, alcohol alters appetite-regulating signals and affects the brain’s reward circuits.—
Teresa Mull,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2026
-
The artists were protesting the approval of two decrees that regulate and censor artists not affiliated with state institutions, and penalize freedom of expression and independent journalism.—
Sarah Moreno
June 5,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
Next week, vote counts will take place Tuesday, June 16 and Thursday, June 18.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
9 June 2026
-
The Mystics came right back, taking the lead 76-75 after a late foul.—
Ian Miller,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Micromanage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/micromanage. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
