Synonyms of maneuver

maneuver 1 of 2

verb

1

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

• manipulate
• handle
• manage
• address
• negotiate
• take
• treat
• play
• swing
• field
• cope (with)
• contend (with)
• hack
• pull
• grapple (with)
• come to grips with
• control
• steer
• carry out
• have a grip on
• engineer
• regulate
• finesse
• get off
• guide
• carry off
• direct
• command
• respond (to)
• jockey
• react (to)
• run
• micromanage
• bring off

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fumble
• botch
• bungle
• scamp
• goof (up)
• mess (up)
• mishandle
• muff
• louse up
• foozle

2

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

• negotiate
• manipulate
• arrange
• engineer
• plot
• manage
• contrive
• finesse
• finagle
• frame
• conclude
• machinate
• wangle
• mastermind
• scheme
• conduct
• concert
• work out
• handle
• hammer out
• connive
• hatch
• concoct
• compass
• intrigue
• direct
• angle (for)
• command
• cook (up)
• brew
• run
• captain
• quarterback
• gerrymander

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• blow
• botch
• butcher
• fumble
• gum (up)
• bungle
• mangle
• mishandle
• mess (up)
• flub
• muff
• louse up
• bobble

maneuver

2 of 2

noun

1

as in attack

Related Words

• attack
• assault
• march
• offensive
• movement
• push
• campaign
• cause
• mission
• project
• drive
• crusade
• juggernaut
• initiative
• bid
• undertaking
• action
• blitz
• enterprise
• bandwagon

2

as in subterfuge

Related Words

• subterfuge
• ruse
• dodge
• stratagem
• gambit
• ploy
• contrivance
• fetch
• jig
• deception
• scheme
• device
• knack
• juggle
• trickery
• trick
• gimmick
• play
• sleight
• duplicity
• wile
• bluff
• cunning
• chicanery
• feint
• jugglery
• swindling
• craft
• cheating
• skulduggery
• legerdemain
• end run
• shenanigan
• flimflam
• artifice
• fakery
• dupery
• cozenage
• blind
• front
• crookery
• smoke screen

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

Recent Examples of maneuver

Verb

The rest of the meeting had that politicians’ glint to it as Warsh cleared room to maneuver. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 17 June 2026

When Vegas was sputtering in late March, with the 19th-best record in the NHL, the fact that its core was signed long-term with little cap space to maneuver could’ve been easily viewed as a detriment. —Jesse Granger, New York Times, 15 June 2026

Noun

Valerio finally stopped the driver by conducting a PIT maneuver at the intersection of Riverside Park Place and Park Street, with nearby officers assisting with the arrest. —Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 11 June 2026

When those negotiations failed, Republicans turned to a complicated procedural maneuver to get around the filibuster and pass the immigration funding with no Democratic votes. —Kevin Freking, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026