maneuver

17 synonyms for maneuver, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A planned, often skillful movement of troops, vehicles, or a body, especially one requiring precision.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

play point head direct guide operate

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

tactics tactic steer

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

manoeuvre manoeuver channelize channelise evasive action tactical maneuver tactical manoeuvre simulated military operation

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A planned, often skillful movement of troops, vehicles, or a body, especially one requiring precision.

“The pilot performed a sharp evasive maneuver.”

play point head direct guide operate tactics tactic steer manoeuvre manoeuver channelize channelise evasive action tactical maneuver tactical manoeuvre simulated military operation

2. verb

To move something carefully and skillfully into position, especially in a tight or difficult space.

“She maneuvered the truck into the narrow loading bay.”

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How to use maneuver

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

military maneuver evasive maneuver political maneuvering

Etymology

From French manœuvre ("manipulation, maneuver"), ultimately from Latin manu operari, "to work by hand." It shares this root with the English word "manure."

Full origin of maneuver →

Frequently asked questions

What does “maneuver” mean?

The word “maneuver” means a planned, often skillful movement of troops, vehicles, or a body, especially one requiring precision. In plain terms, a carefully controlled movement or clever tactic, or the act of skillfully steering something into place.

How do you pronounce “maneuver”?

“Maneuver” is pronounced muh-NOO-vuh (/məˈnuvɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “maneuver” in a sentence?

Here is “maneuver” used in a sentence: “The pilot performed a sharp evasive maneuver.”

What part of speech is “maneuver”?

Depending on how it is used, “maneuver” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “maneuver” come from?

The word “maneuver” comes from Latin. From French manœuvre ("manipulation, maneuver"), ultimately from Latin manu operari, "to work by hand." It shares this root with the English word "manure.".

Is “maneuver” a common word?

“Maneuver” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

How many meanings does “maneuver” have?

“Maneuver” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a planned, often skillful movement of troops, vehicles, or a body, especially one requiring precision.

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Nearby words

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