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
The panelists were invited to define DEI, and Moon passionately countered the notion posited by the Heritage Foundation that DEI is manipulative.
—Melissa Noel, Essence, 12 July 2024
In court on Tuesday, friends and relatives described Roberts as a manipulative man who was prone to bouts of extreme violence.
—Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 2 July 2024
Jones said that Nick was never physically abusive with her — just manipulative.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 28 May 2024
Highland Park parade shooting suspect rejects guilty plea deal, crushing victims' families: 'Evil and manipulative'
Pamela Sumpter, 43, survived and underwent a rape kit at the hospital, prosecutors said.
—Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 26 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for manipulative 
Melissa Noel, Essence, 12 July 2024
In court on Tuesday, friends and relatives described Roberts as a manipulative man who was prone to bouts of extreme violence.
—Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 2 July 2024
Jones said that Nick was never physically abusive with her — just manipulative.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 28 May 2024
Highland Park parade shooting suspect rejects guilty plea deal, crushing victims' families: 'Evil and manipulative'
Pamela Sumpter, 43, survived and underwent a rape kit at the hospital, prosecutors said.
—Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 26 June 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 15 Jul. 2024.
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