Search Dictionary
Definition of manipulative

manipulative

/məˈnɪp.jə.lə.tɪv/
ma · nip · u · la · tive
Adverb:manipulatively
•
Plural:manipulatives
JUMP TO:

manipulative Lexical Profile

manipulative Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Characterized by unscrupulous control of a situation or person; exercising shrewd or devious influence to one's own advantage.

Example

"She recognized his manipulative behavior and refused to be pressured into signing the contract."

2

Relating to the physical handling, moving, or operating of objects, tools, or body parts.

Example

"Building with small blocks helps young children develop essential manipulative skills."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for manipulative
Antonyms
View all antonyms for manipulative

• noun

1

A physical object, such as blocks, tiles, or beads, designed to be handled by students to help them perceive and understand mathematical or abstract concepts.

Example

"The elementary teacher used colorful plastic manipulatives to teach the students how fractions work."

• Rhymes for manipulative

• Nearby Words

manipulatable
manipulate
manipulation
manipulative
manipulatively
manipulator
mankind

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century from the verb 'manipulate' plus the adjectival suffix '-ive', ultimately deriving from Latin 'manipulus' ('handful').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Manipulative. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/manipulative
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.