manipulative
adjective
ma·nip·u·la·tive
mə-ˈni-pyə-ˌlā-tiv 
-lə-
: of, relating to, or performed by manipulation
Osteopathy emphasizes manipulative techniques to correct abnormalities thought to cause disease and inhibit recovery.—
Carol L. Otis et al.
Carol L. Otis et al.
especially
: serving or intended to control or influence others in an artful and often unfair or selfish way
a clever and manipulative child
manipulative behavior
Simpleminded as his critics found his ideas and remarks, cynical and manipulative as he may have been in actuality, he seemed to believe every word he said. —Arthur Miller
Arthur Miller
manipulatively
adverb
manipulativeness
noun
Examples of manipulative in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Elo-Rivera said grocery chains’ embrace of digital-only deals is manipulative.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
According to a 2023 literature review in the Australian Institute of Family Studies, cohesive control occurs when one partner uses patterns of manipulative behavior to control, intimidate and limit the other’s autonomy.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
This may be the most effective (and yes, emotionally manipulative) Bachelor intro package ever?
—Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 28 Jan. 2025
The key is balance — personalization should feel helpful, not manipulative.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 27 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for manipulative
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.
David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
According to a 2023 literature review in the Australian Institute of Family Studies, cohesive control occurs when one partner uses patterns of manipulative behavior to control, intimidate and limit the other’s autonomy.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
This may be the most effective (and yes, emotionally manipulative) Bachelor intro package ever?
—Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 28 Jan. 2025
The key is balance — personalization should feel helpful, not manipulative.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 27 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for manipulative
Cite this Entry
“Manipulative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manipulative. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share