“Manipulative” refers to actions or behaviors that are designed to control or influence others in a subtle, often deceptive manner, with the intent of gaining personal advantage. People who are manipulative often use various tactics, such as flattery, guilt, or deceit, to influence others without their knowledge or consent. While manipulation can be done in a shrewd or skillful way, it is typically viewed negatively because it undermines trust and autonomy. Manipulative individuals are often seen as using others as tools to achieve their own goals, sometimes at the expense of others’ well-being.
10 Sentences Using “Manipulative”:
- He was a manipulative individual who used guilt to get his way with his friends.
- The manager’s manipulative tactics were aimed at securing a promotion, even at the cost of others’ efforts.
- She cunningly played a manipulative game, convincing everyone that her idea was the best, even though it wasn’t.
- The manipulative advertising campaign tricked customers into thinking they needed a product they didn’t want.
- His manipulative behavior in the relationship made it clear he was more interested in control than in love.
- The manipulative politician used emotional appeals to win votes, hiding the true nature of his policies.
- She employed manipulative methods in her negotiations to pressure the other side into agreeing to her terms.
- The lawyer’s manipulative questioning was designed to confuse the witness and sway the jury.
- He could be manipulative at times, using charm to persuade others into doing things that benefited him.
- She was a master of manipulative communication, always turning situations in her favor without others realizing.
Synonyms for “Manipulative”:
- Controlling
- Cunning
- Deceptive
- Shrewd
- Scheming
- Crafty
- Calculating
- Exploitative
- Sly
- Underhanded
Antonyms for “Manipulative”:
- Honest
- Transparent
- Direct
- Sincere
- Genuine
- Open
- Straightforward
- Trustworthy
- Fair
- Unselfish
Related Words for “Manipulative”:
- Manipulation
- Control
- Coercion
- Influence
- Exploitation
- Deception
- Persuasion
- Trickery
- Guile
- Scheming
Phrasal Verbs for “Manipulative”:
- Play on (to exploit or take advantage of someone’s emotions or weaknesses in a manipulative way)
- Use someone (to exploit or manipulate someone for personal gain)
- String someone along (to lead someone on with false promises or manipulative behavior)
- Set up (to arrange or organize something in a manipulative manner, often to deceive someone)
- Get around (to find a way to avoid detection or to manipulate a situation, often in an underhanded way)
Idiomatic Expressions for “Manipulative”:
- “Pull the strings” (to control or manipulate a situation or group of people from behind the scenes)
- “Lead someone by the nose” (to manipulate or control someone by making them believe they are in control)
- “Play the game” (to manipulate or act in a way that is strategically advantageous, often with deceit)
- “Behind the scenes” (something being done secretly or manipulatively, without others knowing)
- “Twist someone’s arm” (to force or manipulate someone into doing something they wouldn’t normally want to do)