maneuver 1 of 2

verb

Definition of maneuvernext
1
as in to manipulate
to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently maneuvered the conversation so as to avoid the touchy subject of her divorce

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to negotiate
to plan out usually with subtle skill or care successfully maneuvered a way to get him to ask her to the dance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

maneuver

2 of 2

noun

1
as in attack

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in subterfuge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word maneuver different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of maneuver are artifice, feint, ruse, stratagem, trick, and wile. While all these words mean "an indirect means to gain an end," maneuver suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty.

last-minute maneuvers to avert bankruptcy

Where would artifice be a reasonable alternative to maneuver?

While in some cases nearly identical to maneuver, artifice implies ingenious contrivance or invention.

the clever artifices of the stage

When is it sensible to use feint instead of maneuver?

The meanings of feint and maneuver largely overlap; however, feint implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent.

a feint toward the enemy's left flank

When is ruse a more appropriate choice than maneuver?

The words ruse and maneuver can be used in similar contexts, but ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression.

the ruses of smugglers

In what contexts can stratagem take the place of maneuver?

The words stratagem and maneuver are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy.

the stratagem-filled game

When would trick be a good substitute for maneuver?

In some situations, the words trick and maneuver are roughly equivalent. However, trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end.

the tricks of the trade

When could wile be used to replace maneuver?

Although the words wile and maneuver have much in common, wile suggests an attempt to entrap or deceive with false allurements.

used all of his wiles to ingratiate himself

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of maneuver
Verb
This ultra-compact device is incredibly easy to maneuver around clothes, and provides 10 minutes of continuous steam to help get the job done. —Kristine Thomason, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2025 One factor working in the colt’s favor is his drop-back, late-kick style, which should enable Franco to maneuver closer to the rail entering the first turn. —Clark Spencer, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
The maneuver portion includes an obstacle course with a low crawl, high crawl and sprint, as well as dragging a person and using the fireman’s carry. —Lolita C. Baldor, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025 The aircraft touched down safely and normally at CLT, according to American, which said the incident was not considered an emergency maneuver. —Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for maneuver
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maneuver
  1. manipulate
  2. negotiate
  3. attack
  4. subterfuge
  5. handle
  6. arrange
  7. assault
  8. ruse
Verb
  • While Ticketmaster denies using surge pricing or dynamic algorithms to manipulate prices, fans like Jessica Chou question if their early participation in presales might be contributing to higher initial costs.
    — Caché McClay, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Decades earlier, Loftus had demonstrated that people’s memories of visual details could be manipulated by posing questions that contained misinformation.
    — Bernice Andrews, Scientific American, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of manipulate
Verb
  • The acquisition was negotiated by Miles Fineburg representing Samuel Goldwyn Films, with Studiocanal’s team including Chloe Marquet (head of international sales), Charlotte Lopez (senior VP of international sales) and Sophie Leuthreau (head of business and legal affairs international distribution).
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Others are holding off or attempting to negotiate with the Trump administration to lower the rates.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of negotiate
Noun
  • On Friday, a Russian ballistic missile and drone attack on the city of Kryvyi Rih -- Zelenskyy's home town -- killed 19 people, including nine children.
    — David Brennan, ABC News, 6 Apr. 2025
  • There has been a big labor split, however, with carpenters and laborers unions going heavily for Moreno — and waging tough attacks against Aguirre.
    — Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of attack
Noun
  • His delivery of Mantel’s dialogue—modern, intelligent, bristling with implication and subterfuge—is mesmerizingly clear.
    — Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025
  • With a bit of guidance, navigating between the classic go-to’s and the newer dining options are scattered throughout the properties can lead to incredible culinary discoveries, plenty of popping champagne bottles and even a dash of historical subterfuge.
    — Alissa Fitzgerald, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
Definition of subterfuge
Verb
  • The environmental health center had also handled a variety of other issues like cruise ship outbreak investigations, which are now reeling from significant layoffs.
    — Sarah Lynch Baldwin, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The bulbs are durable and waterproof, able to handle extreme heat and cold.
    — Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of handle
Verb
  • But the human author was a sort of conductor: prompting, arranging, intervening.
    — Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Oz: On [Richard’s] birthday, Laura arranged for maybe a dozen Civil War reenactors to come galloping onto the set.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of arrange
Noun
  • Beijing has also softened its regulatory assault on Chinese technology companies and the property sector.
    — Jacky Wong, WSJ, 6 Feb. 2023
  • Zelenskyy has warned for weeks that Moscow aims to step up its assault after about two months of virtual stalemate along the front line that stretches across the south and east.
    — Reuters, NBC News, 31 Jan. 2023
Definition of assault
Noun
  • This is, of course, a ruse to put Rick in the same room with Jim, who, according to his mother on her deathbed, killed his do-gooder dad.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Frank This character doing all the heavy lifting to keep Rick’s ruse afloat and Sam Rockwell doing all the heavy lifting to keep this plot interesting: Thank you for your service, gentlemen.
    — Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of ruse

Browse Nearby Words

manes
maneuver
maneuver (around)
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Cite this Entry

“Maneuver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maneuver. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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