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
In contrast, using it responsibly could be a challenge when Luna enters passionate Leo at 7:10 am EDT and opposes manipulative Pluto shortly thereafter.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2024
The defense argued Navy veteran Doug was manipulative, controlling and abusive.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 31 July 2024
Dozens of state attorneys general and school districts have accused the tech giant of using manipulative practices to keep kids hooked on its services while showing them harmful content.
—Naomi Nix, Washington Post, 30 July 2024
Ashley Benefield's attorney argued that she was trapped in an abusive relationship, stating that Doug Benefield was a manipulative, controlling and abusive man.
—Jolie Lash, ABC News, 30 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for manipulative 
Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2024
The defense argued Navy veteran Doug was manipulative, controlling and abusive.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 31 July 2024
Dozens of state attorneys general and school districts have accused the tech giant of using manipulative practices to keep kids hooked on its services while showing them harmful content.
—Naomi Nix, Washington Post, 30 July 2024
Ashley Benefield's attorney argued that she was trapped in an abusive relationship, stating that Doug Benefield was a manipulative, controlling and abusive man.
—Jolie Lash, ABC News, 30 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for manipulative
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'manipulative.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near manipulative
Cite this Entry
“Manipulative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manipulative. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
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