manipulative
/məˈnɪpjələtɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /məˈnɪpjəleɪtɪv/ (ame, ipa) · /mə-ˈni-pyə-ˌlā-tiv -lə-/ (ame, mw)
manipulative — adjective
- manipulativepositive
- more manipulativecomparative
- most manipulativesuperlative
1. describes a person who influences or controls other people's feelings, choices,
describes a person who influences or controls other people's feelings, choices, or actions in an unfair or dishonest way, usually to gain an advantage for themselves.
Theo's girlfriend became increasingly manipulative, often making him feel guilty when he spent time with friends.
become + increasingly + manipulative
The documentary revealed how manipulative salespeople use high-pressure tactics to close deals.
manipulative + noun describing a person's role
Chimamanda realized her boss was being manipulative when he praised her only in front of important clients.
Some therapists say that manipulative behavior in relationships can be harder to spot than direct anger.
Critics accused the campaign of using manipulative language to turn voters against the proposal.
- scheming
suggests secret, quietly planned plots rather than open influence
- calculating
emphasizes cold, careful self-interest with little emotion
- controlling
broader — can describe everyday bossy behavior, not necessarily dishonest
- underhand
focuses on secrecy and dishonesty rather than the act of influencing
- straightforward
describes someone who is honest and direct about what they want
- genuine
describes honest, sincere intentions without hidden motives
- guileless
formal word for someone who lacks any cunning or deceit
文法句型
manipulative + noun
be / seem / become manipulative
用法筆記
Commonly carries a strong negative judgment — calling someone manipulative implies they are being deliberately unfair, not just persuasive.
常見錯誤
2. deliberately created or arranged to make people feel a specific emotion or behav
deliberately created or arranged to make people feel a specific emotion or behave in a particular way, often without them realizing it — for example, lighting that makes a room feel romantic, or a website designed to trick users into clicking an ad.
The charity video used manipulative images of hungry children to make viewers donate money quickly.
manipulative images — deliberate emotional design
Amara thought the lighting in the clothing store was manipulative because it made every dress look perfect.
Some film critics argue that sentimental background music is too manipulative and cheapens the story.
The website's manipulative design tricked users into clicking on advertisements by hiding the close button.
- calculated
focuses on conscious intention behind an action or design
- contrived
suggests something feels unnatural or forced, not necessarily deceptive
- engineered
emphasizes careful construction to produce a result, neutral or negative
- natural
describes something that happens without deliberate planning
- spontaneous
describes something unplanned and genuine
文法句型
manipulative + noun (e.g. lighting, music, advertising, design)
be / seem / feel manipulative
用法筆記
This sense describes things (not people). It always implies the arrangement was intentional — accidental emotional effects are not manipulative.
常見錯誤
3. relating to a type of medical treatment in which a therapist presses on, moves,
relating to a type of medical treatment in which a therapist presses on, moves, or adjusts parts of the body — especially the spine, joints, or muscles — using their hands, in order to relieve pain or improve movement.
After weeks of back pain, Miguel decided to try manipulative therapy rather than taking painkillers.
manipulative therapy — common medical collocation
The physiotherapist used gentle manipulative techniques to loosen the tight muscles in Keiko's shoulder.
manipulative techniques — describes treatment methods
Chiropractors receive special training in spinal manipulative treatment for patients with neck pain.
Studies show that manipulative therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain types of joint problems.
- therapeutic
broader — describes any healing treatment, not just hands-on techniques
- osteopathic
specific to osteopathy, a branch of medicine that emphasizes physical manipulation of the body
- chiropractic
specific to chiropractic care, which focuses on the spine
文法句型
manipulative + noun (e.g. therapy, treatment, technique)
用法筆記
This is a medical term — do not use it to describe everyday touching or massage. The verb form manipulate is more common than the adjective in this sense (e.g. "the therapist manipulated the patient's spine").