Definitions

manipulative

[muh-nip-yuh-ley-tiv, -yuh-luh-tiv] / məˈnɪp yəˌleɪ tɪv, -yə lə tɪv /

ADJECTIVE

calculating

Synonyms

STRONGEST

canny considerate devious scheming shrewd wily

STRONG

contriving designing guarded premeditating

WEAK

Machiavellian artful careful cautious chary circumspect crafty cunning discreet gingerly guileful intelligent politic safe sharp sly wary

Antonyms

STRONGEST

foolish honest open

WEAK

artless naive unassuming uncalculating

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He described Singh's serial offending between February 1983 and May 2018 as "calculated and manipulative".

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

Also favoring Nick Offerman as ‘Margo’s’ ex-wrestler dad and Daniel Radcliffe as ‘Reggie Dinkins’ ’ manipulative bystander.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

That manipulative trend continued Monday with the Mississippi and North Dakota orders.

From Slate • May 19, 2026

This is where Evie’s manipulative tactics are most discernible.

From Salon • May 8, 2026

But the Erudite are as meticulous as they are manipulative, so they wouldn’t leave it up to chance.

From "Divergent" by Veronica Roth

Vocabulary lists containing manipulative

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