manipulation
7 synonyms for manipulation, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of skillfully handling or operating something.
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 manipulation
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
emotional manipulation
market manipulation
psychological manipulation
Etymology
From French manipulation, ultimately from Latin manipulus, "handful," tracing back to manus, "hand."
Full origin of manipulation →Frequently asked questions
What does “manipulation” mean?
The word “manipulation” means the act of skillfully handling or operating something. In plain terms, skillful handling of something physical, or unfair psychological control over someone.
How do you pronounce “manipulation”?
“Manipulation” is pronounced muh-nihp-yoo-LAY-shuhn (/məˌnɪp.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “manipulation” in a sentence?
Here is “manipulation” used in a sentence: “The physiotherapist used gentle manipulation to ease the joint back into place.”
What part of speech is “manipulation”?
“Manipulation” is a noun.
Where does the word “manipulation” come from?
The word “manipulation” comes from Latin. From French manipulation, ultimately from Latin manipulus, "handful," tracing back to manus, "hand.".
Is “manipulation” a common word?
“Manipulation” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “manipulation” have?
“Manipulation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of skillfully handling or operating something.
What is the difference between manipulation and persuasion?
Persuasion openly presents reasons or evidence to change someone's mind, while manipulation relies on unfair or deceptive influence that hides the manipulator's true intent. Manipulation typically benefits the manipulator at the other person's expense, whereas persuasion leaves the listener free to evaluate the argument honestly.
Is manipulation always used in a negative sense?
Not always. The word can describe the neutral, skillful handling of an object or system, such as the manipulation of tools or data. It only carries a negative meaning when it refers to using unfair or deceptive influence over a person to get a desired result.
What is the difference between manipulation and coercion?
Manipulation works through deception or subtle influence, often without the target realizing they are being controlled. Coercion is more overt, using threats or force to compel someone's actions, so the target is usually aware of the pressure being applied.
