maneuver
17 synonyms and 0 antonyms 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.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use maneuver
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
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.