maneuver 1 of 2

verb

Definition of maneuvernext
1
as in to manipulate
to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently maneuvered the conversation so as to avoid the touchy subject of her divorce

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to negotiate
to plan out usually with subtle skill or care successfully maneuvered a way to get him to ask her to the dance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

maneuver

2 of 2

noun

1
as in attack

Related Words
2
as in subterfuge

Related Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word maneuver different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of maneuver are artifice, feint, ruse, stratagem, trick, and wile. While all these words mean "an indirect means to gain an end," maneuver suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty.

last-minute maneuvers to avert bankruptcy

Where would artifice be a reasonable alternative to maneuver?

While in some cases nearly identical to maneuver, artifice implies ingenious contrivance or invention.

the clever artifices of the stage

When is it sensible to use feint instead of maneuver?

The meanings of feint and maneuver largely overlap; however, feint implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent.

a feint toward the enemy's left flank

When is ruse a more appropriate choice than maneuver?

The words ruse and maneuver can be used in similar contexts, but ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression.

the ruses of smugglers

In what contexts can stratagem take the place of maneuver?

The words stratagem and maneuver are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy.

the stratagem-filled game

When would trick be a good substitute for maneuver?

In some situations, the words trick and maneuver are roughly equivalent. However, trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end.

the tricks of the trade

When could wile be used to replace maneuver?

Although the words wile and maneuver have much in common, wile suggests an attempt to entrap or deceive with false allurements.

used all of his wiles to ingratiate himself

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 maneuver
Verb
Choosing the right clothes and somehow maneuvering them into my bag is half the battle. —Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026 Disney may have more room to maneuver than other media companies. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 13 May 2026
Noun
In 2003, a Thunderbirds aircraft crashed while attempting a maneuver. —Rebecca Boone, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026 The maneuver will act like a slingshot, boosting the spacecraft's speed for its journey. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for maneuver
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maneuver
  1. manipulate
  2. negotiate
  3. attack
  4. subterfuge
  5. handle
  6. arrange
  7. assault
  8. ruse
Verb
  • In most cases, similar to engine controls, this climate control system can be checked for codes and the various modes manipulated with a scan tool.
    — John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2026
  • This likely created new evolutionary pressure for specialized hand use during tasks such as carrying objects, manipulating tools, or gesturing.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026
Definition of manipulate
Verb
  • There’s a lot of ways to negotiate.
    — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026
  • While Pritzker and state lawmakers have been negotiating on legislation to provide the Bears with property tax breaks for a stadium in Arlington Heights, Johnson has continued to push to keep the Bears in Chicago.
    — Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 19 May 2026
Definition of negotiate
Noun
  • As the United States has escalated its attacks on Iran, there’s something pleasingly transgressive about bringing Iranian elements into such overtly Western music—so much so that the songs without Yaghmai’s playing seem a little subdued in comparison.
    — Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 15 May 2026
  • This one way attack drone is aimed at delivering affordable mass capabilities and is engineered for adaptability, and autonomous operations.
    — Aditya Jadhav, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026
Definition of attack
Noun
  • Skip the subterfuge as the sun and Mercury harmonize.
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 14 May 2026
  • Whether those suspicions were valid or a result of subterfuge by Connelly, the Nuggets ultimately traded up six spots to draft Holmes, sacrificing three future second-round picks.
    — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Definition of subterfuge
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
Verb
  • Soon, survey crews showed up, bulldozers were spotted along dusty roads, and the Army Corps of Engineers arranged private meetings.
    — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • The spa There’s no spa, but morning yoga and pilates classes are hosted on the rooftop and the hotel can help arrange in-room massage treatments.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
Definition of arrange
Noun
  • Not coincidentally, Netanyahu’s coalition—which dominates the Knesset with a majority of sixty-four seats, out of a hundred and twenty—has renewed its legislative assault on the court.
    — Bernard Avishai, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • Castro faces multiple second-degree felony assault charges involving a weapon and one count of falsely reporting a crime, a misdemeanor, according to a criminal complaint.
    — Terry Collins, USA Today, 18 May 2026
Definition of assault
Noun
  • They are accused of using several ruses to force their way into people’s homes, assaulting unsuspecting residents and holding them hostage for their own money, and demanding access to their crypto accounts.
    — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 14 May 2026
  • To sustain her ruse, Suzanne discovers volumes of diaries written by the painter’s late wife.
    — Ben Croll, IndieWire, 12 May 2026
Definition of ruse

Browse Nearby Words

manes
maneuver
maneuver (around)
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Cite this Entry

“Maneuver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maneuver. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on maneuver

Nglish: Translation of maneuver for Spanish Speakers

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