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

Relationship challenges: People-pleasers are often targets for manipulative individuals in personal and professional settings, such as narcissists, psychopaths and sociopaths, who will prey on the kindness and need to please from the people-pleaser. —David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025

Nicole Kidman for ‘Babygirl’ The Oscar winner, 57, gave one of the year’s most dynamic performances as Romy Mathis, a married tech company CEO who begins an affair with a mysterious and manipulative young intern (Harris Dickinson). —Eric Andersson, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025

After many fans of the show accused the women in series nine of being manipulative, Olivia is ready to show fans her true self. —Meg Walters, Glamour, 9 Jan. 2025

Yet, an emerging concern is that some employees perceive coaching, particularly the use of questions during feedback discussions, as manipulative. —Inga Bielińska, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above