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 a deceptive 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
Harden is a prodding, manipulative guard who wants defensive hands to get caught in the cookie jar.
—Tony Jones, New York Times, 18 May 2026
The platform is designed to detect and interpret potential scam signals across digital conversations, offering users real-time insight into whether a message may be misleading or manipulative.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 14 May 2026
Their bond — both are outsiders who suffered abuse as children — is one of the few emotional soft spots in the otherwise fast-moving series about America’s rotten power structure, manipulative media and the gullibility of the public.
—Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
His decision to pull out of the house sales upends an entire property chain, as his manipulative nature unsettles those around him.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for manipulative
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Tony Jones, New York Times, 18 May 2026
The platform is designed to detect and interpret potential scam signals across digital conversations, offering users real-time insight into whether a message may be misleading or manipulative.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 14 May 2026
Their bond — both are outsiders who suffered abuse as children — is one of the few emotional soft spots in the otherwise fast-moving series about America’s rotten power structure, manipulative media and the gullibility of the public.
—Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
His decision to pull out of the house sales upends an entire property chain, as his manipulative nature unsettles those around him.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for manipulative
Cite this Entry
“Manipulative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manipulative. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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