manipulative

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The manipulative Jean, meanwhile, counsels both young women and has cast Mary in the role of her substitute daughter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Imagine if, in “Evita,” audiences members were invited to sing back up on the balcony as Eva Perón belts out “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” accompanying her in her last manipulative hurrah.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

You don’t have to say, “You are manipulative and controlling,” or “You are high maintenance and don’t pay your way,” or, in this case, “You leave a trail of dust bunnies in your wake.”

From MarketWatch • Feb. 6, 2026

Sentencing the three on Tuesday at Southwark Crown Court, Judge Christopher Hehir called Dale a "thoroughly devious and untruthful and manipulative young woman".

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2026

He gives amazing speeches, writes fantastic op-eds and now newspaper features, spearheads community warmth drives...and he dates a manipulative ditz.

From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen