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

Sandwich attacks, in particular, could be considered manipulative under SEC Rule 10b-5 and CFTC Rule 180.1, exposing validators, builders, and searchers to potential legal consequences. —Gary Weinstein, Forbes, 8 Sep. 2024

This is a very manipulative and misleading article designed to paint a negative picture of the encampment sweeps. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 4 Sep. 2024

Ray was an ex-con who moved into his daughter’s dorm at Sarah Lawrence college in 2010 and gained manipulative control over her roommates’ lives. —Zack Sharf, Variety, 21 June 2024

Step away from trouble, drama and manipulative situations. —Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above