manipulative

[ muh-nip-yuh-ley-tiv, -yuh-luh-tiv ]

adjective

1. influencing or attempting to influence the behavior or emotions of others for one’s own purposes:

   a manipulative boss.

2. of or relating to manipulation of objects or parts of the body; serving to manipulate:

   spinal manipulative therapy.

noun

1. Usually manipulatives. any of various objects or materials that students can touch and move around in order to help them learn mathematical and other concepts:

   the use of blocks, flashcards, and other manipulatives in the classroom.

Other Words From

• ma·nipu·lative·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of manipulative¹

First recorded in 1815–20; manipulat(e) ( def ) + -ive ( def )

Example Sentences

“These are more than mere words, and it’s time for him to be held accountable for his manipulative tactics and unacceptable behavior.”

From Los Angeles Times

Georgia's beleaguered election commission has accused its critics of a "manipulative campaign" of disinformation and said it would recount votes in five randomly selected polling stations in each of Georgia's 84 election districts.

From BBC

It sounds eerily similar to the misogynistic tropes that incels spew, blaming women as a whole for their manipulative, Jezebel ways; women who'd rather be with powerful men instead of the "good guys" like themselves.

From Salon

A "manipulative" woman who murdered her parents and lived alongside the bodies for four years in their family home has been jailed for life.

From BBC

He was nominated for two supporting actor Daytime Emmys during his turn as Dr. Coleridge, a manipulative physician from an affluent, old-money family.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• canny
• considerate
• devious
• scheming
• shrewd
• wily