as in handles
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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for micromanages
Verb
-
In a world where AI handles so much, your human connections become your competitive advantage.—
Phil Blair,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026 -
The work is billed through the O’Rourke & Moody law firm, which handles the administrative tasks.—
Madeline Buckley,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Reinhart’s Apple is a deliciously deadly mystery wrapped in sequins and pure unadulterated attitude, as Tung’s Pumpkin subtly manipulates the group to get to the bottom of a past incident that weighs on her personally, despite her new friends being oblivious to her true identity.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
17 Mar. 2026
-
The film is being released as newsrooms shrink, the mainstream media consolidates and social media manipulates the meaning of truth.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Communist Party tightly controls political activity, arguing that centralized leadership allows the country to pursue longterm development goals without disruptions.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Following Préval’s sudden death, the platform and its other leaders have been embroiled in a legal battle over who controls the movement and its name.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The exhibit addresses the Middle Passage, an especially fraught part of the Atlantic Ocean crossing where many of the captives died.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 Mar. 2026
-
The play addresses depression, suicide, and mental health.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The chief of staff manages White House staff, organizes the president's time and schedule, directs and manages policy development, negotiates legislation, and keeps in contact with other departments and legislators.—
Doris Alvarez Cea,
Florida Times-Union,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Their goal — to demand better wages and improved working conditions as American Airlines negotiates a new contract at the airport.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
According to articles 57 and 110 of the constitution, the supreme leader sets domestic and foreign policy and supervises all branches of the government, including the executive, legislature and judiciary.—
Eric Lob,
The Conversation,
12 Mar. 2026
-
The Executive Office for Immigration Review, which supervises the court, didn’t return a request for comment by press time.—
Caroline Kubzansky,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Advice columnist Carolyn Hax takes your comments and questions most Fridays about life, family, relationships and more.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The budget takes work, and lawmakers also must resolve details of a ballot question on cutting property taxes in Florida, and on redrawing the lines of congressional districts to tilt the playing field even more in the Republicans’ favor.—
Steve Bousquet,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Although the exact mechanism is not fully understood, B6 regulates hormones and neurotransmitter production, which influence the brain signals that can trigger nausea.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Verywell Health,
15 Mar. 2026
-
There’s a lot of science behind this practice, but to put it simply, baking in a water bath regulates and moderates the temperature of the baked good, encouraging an even bake.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 2026
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.
Cite this Entry
“Micromanages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/micromanages. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
