MANAGE Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'manage' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of manage are conduct , control , and direct . While all these words mean "to use one's powers to lead, guide, or dominate," manage implies direct handling and manipulating or maneuvering toward a desired result. // manages a meat market

Q: Where would 'conduct' be a reasonable alternative to 'manage'?

The words conduct and manage are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, conduct implies taking responsibility for the acts and achievements of a group. // conducted negotiations

Q: When is 'control' a more appropriate choice than 'manage'?

In some situations, the words control and manage are roughly equivalent. However, control implies a regulating or restraining in order to keep within bounds or on a course. // controlling his appetite

Q: When can 'direct' be used instead of 'manage'?

The meanings of direct and manage largely overlap; however, direct implies constant guiding and regulating so as to achieve smooth operation. // directs the store's day-to-day business

manage

verb

ˈma-nij

Definition of manage next

as in to handle

to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently as usual, she managed the crisis with a minimum of fuss

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to supervise

to look after and make decisions about managed a household and a business simultaneously

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as in to cope

to meet one's day-to-day needs it'll be hard for a few weeks, but we'll manage

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word manage distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of manage are conduct, control, and direct. While all these words mean "to use one's powers to lead, guide, or dominate," manage implies direct handling and manipulating or maneuvering toward a desired result.

manages a meat market

Where would conduct be a reasonable alternative to manage?

The words conduct and manage are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, conduct implies taking responsibility for the acts and achievements of a group.

conducted negotiations

When is control a more appropriate choice than manage?

In some situations, the words control and manage are roughly equivalent. However, control implies a regulating or restraining in order to keep within bounds or on a course.

controlling his appetite

When can direct be used instead of manage?

The meanings of direct and manage largely overlap; however, direct implies constant guiding and regulating so as to achieve smooth operation.

directs the store's day-to-day business

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 manage The event was up quite a bit from the 6M Live +1 viewers that the Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano rematch managed last summer. —

Katie Campione, Deadline, 19 May 2026 Christian Ulvert, a longtime Florida political strategist who has managed and advised at the local, legislative and statewide levels, was named senior adviser. —

Michael Van Sickler, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026 Machine Investment has budgeted $30 million on wide-ranging upgrades to prepare the towers for occupants, according to John Tashjian, managing partner with Centurion Real Estate. —

George Avalos, Mercury News, 19 May 2026 But Congress hasn't managed to agree on one. —

Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for manage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for manage

Verb

Wear gloves when handling it and wash your hands immediately after.

— Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 17 May 2026
The conversion is being handled by SDFX Studios (formerly Stereo D), the same company del Toro worked with on Pacific Rim.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026

Definition of handle

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manacling

manage

manageable

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“Manage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manage. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of manage

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