as in controlling
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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Recent Examples of micromanaging
Angie Katsanevas, who loves brand names, beauty and micromanaging her family, swaps lives with off-the-grid homesteader and former Mormon Lindsay Flake, whose family lives without electricity, running water and rules.
—
Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 16 Sep. 2025
Kids desperately want to be able to explore and play without adults micromanaging them, Skenazy says.
—Charlotte Alter, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
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
This resulted in a tendency to be highly active as parents of college students, which included some parents micromanaging their students.
—Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
Don't talk about trust while micromanaging.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 16 Sep. 2025
Kids desperately want to be able to explore and play without adults micromanaging them, Skenazy says.
—Charlotte Alter, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
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
This resulted in a tendency to be highly active as parents of college students, which included some parents micromanaging their students.
—Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
Don't talk about trust while micromanaging.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for micromanaging
Verb
-
With greater importance placed on controlling the midfield, more teams sought to emulate the 4-3-3 formation and provide greater strength in the middle third of the pitch.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Years ago, the two embraced a dynamic similar to an open relationship but which was mostly focused on not controlling each other.—
Audrey Gibbs,
Nashville Tennessean,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
25 Oct. 2025
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According to the announcement, salmonella can affect the animals eating the products and possibly humans handling the products.—
Eva Wen,
jsonline.com,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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For adults, the focus should be on understanding the cause, addressing it and finding the right mix of medical, surgical and lifestyle strategies.—
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt,
CNN Money,
26 Oct. 2025
-
New York City mayoral candidates Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo this week addressing charges of Islamophobia in the campaign.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Rozier’s arrest was tied to allegations of manipulating in-game statistics to benefit betting operations, while Billups was accused of participating in illicit poker events connected to the criminal network.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
23 Oct. 2025
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The craft involves manipulating color to create a specific mood, visual style or narrative theme and is widely-used across film, TV and music.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Appeasing and negotiating with Putin has failed for decades.—
Kathleen Collins,
Twin Cities,
26 Oct. 2025
-
The firm’s work with multinational corporations seeking licenses and permits before government agencies (such as energy companies requesting development permits or investment companies negotiating with the Securities and Exchange Commission), or even litigating in federal court, could evaporate.—
Fabio Bertoni,
New Yorker,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The children's parents were simply socializing like normal, the man wrote, not supervising the kids at all.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
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There are currently three officers and one supervising sergeant assigned to Natomas Unified, according to the Police Department.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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These are especially useful for taking public transport, grabbing a quick coffee, or leaving a small tip at a restaurant.—
Asia London Palomba,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Oct. 2025
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Despite a remarkable performance against the New York Rangers last week, Stolarz appears to be taking a step back early this season.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Sapana Grossi, managing partner at the Shah Grossi Law Firm in Los Angeles, represents restaurants and chefs.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
28 Oct. 2025
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Others joined after a long path in permaculture, with deep experience growing food and managing soil and water.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Micromanaging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/micromanaging. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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