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.

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

manipulatively adverb

manipulativeness noun

Examples of manipulative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But there’s no doubt that Jaclyn has taken it all a lot further by being so manipulative with Laurie, not to mention cheating on her husband. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

Viewers on Reddit have overwhelmingly sided with the woman, condemning the fiancé's behavior as emotionally manipulative and cruel. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025

This behavior is manipulative and dangerous. —R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025

Lough’s background in advertising is put to satirical use in commercial-style scenes that mirror the manipulative techniques of the industry. —Lise Pedersen, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for manipulative

• accommodative
• accumulative
• adjudicative
• administrative
• agglutinative
• ameliorative
• appreciative
• assimilative
• associative
• authoritative
• collaborative
• cooperative