MANEUVER Synonyms: 136 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'maneuver' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of maneuver are artifice , feint , ruse , stratagem , trick , and wile . While all these words mean "an indirect means to gain an end," maneuver suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty. // last-minute maneuvers to avert bankruptcy

Q: Where would 'artifice' be a reasonable alternative to 'maneuver'?

While in some cases nearly identical to maneuver , artifice implies ingenious contrivance or invention. // the clever artifices of the stage

Q: When is it sensible to use 'feint' instead of 'maneuver'?

The meanings of feint and maneuver largely overlap; however, feint implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent. // a feint toward the enemy's left flank

Q: When is 'ruse' a more appropriate choice than 'maneuver'?

The words ruse and maneuver can be used in similar contexts, but ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression. // the ruses of smugglers

Q: In what contexts can 'stratagem' take the place of 'maneuver'?

The words stratagem and maneuver are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy. // the stratagem -filled game

Q: When would 'trick' be a good substitute for 'maneuver'?

In some situations, the words trick and maneuver are roughly equivalent. However, trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end. // the tricks of the trade

Q: When could 'wile' be used to replace 'maneuver'?

Although the words wile and maneuver have much in common, wile suggests an attempt to entrap or deceive with false allurements. // used all of his wiles to ingratiate himself

maneuver 1 of 2

verb

Definition of maneuver next

as in to manipulate

to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently maneuvered the conversation so as to avoid the touchy subject of her divorce

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to negotiate

to plan out usually with subtle skill or care successfully maneuvered a way to get him to ask her to the dance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

maneuver

2 of 2

noun

as in attack

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in subterfuge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word maneuver different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of maneuver are artifice, feint, ruse, stratagem, trick, and wile. While all these words mean "an indirect means to gain an end," maneuver suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty.

last-minute maneuvers to avert bankruptcy

Where would artifice be a reasonable alternative to maneuver?

While in some cases nearly identical to maneuver, artifice implies ingenious contrivance or invention.

the clever artifices of the stage

When is it sensible to use feint instead of maneuver?

The meanings of feint and maneuver largely overlap; however, feint implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent.

a feint toward the enemy's left flank

When is ruse a more appropriate choice than maneuver?

The words ruse and maneuver can be used in similar contexts, but ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression.

the ruses of smugglers

In what contexts can stratagem take the place of maneuver?

The words stratagem and maneuver are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy.

the stratagem-filled game

When would trick be a good substitute for maneuver?

In some situations, the words trick and maneuver are roughly equivalent. However, trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end.

the tricks of the trade

When could wile be used to replace maneuver?

Although the words wile and maneuver have much in common, wile suggests an attempt to entrap or deceive with false allurements.

used all of his wiles to ingratiate himself

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of maneuver

Verb

Target and Chaser successfully maneuvered from 50 feet (15 meters) apart to just 10 feet (3 m), held at that close separation for a spell, and then completed the docking process, ISRO wrote in last night's X post. —

Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Jan. 2025 Repeatedly rising to the challenge of maneuvering through the film’s myriad plot twists and tonal shifts, McKellen is by turns imperiously hilarious, archly devious, forlornly melancholy and pathetically desperate. —

Joe Leydon, Variety, 13 Jan. 2025

Noun

Parvati likely knew this day would come, and honestly, Dr. Will’s maneuver probably saved her some skepticism down the line. —

Laura Bradley, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2025 The maneuver was last pulled off during the fifth flight test on Oct. 13 as it was called off during the Nov. 19 liftoff. —

Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for maneuver

Recent Examples of Synonyms for maneuver

Verb

In more significant cases, scammers manipulate individuals into transferring large sums of money to fake people, scam accounts, or identity theft.

— Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025
As Beckman's accomplice, Lau allegedly manipulated documents, including documents allegedly stolen from the venture capital firm that employed her while supposedly hiding her work for GameOn.

— Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 24 Jan. 2025