Meaning & use

manipulative

adjective·Academic

Last updated

Skilled at or characterized by influencing or controlling others to one's own advantage, often unfairly or dishonestly.

See it in a sentence

His manipulative behavior eventually cost him the trust of his coworkers.

She recognized the manipulative tactics the salesman was using to pressure her into buying.

A note on using this word

Almost always carries a negative connotation, implying dishonest or unfair influence rather than simple persuasion.

Words with a similar meaning

schemingexploitativecunning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

honeststraightforward

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