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
Moscow would become the pivot player in the competition between Beijing and Washington, with ties to both and space to maneuver to its advantage. —Michael McFaul, Foreign Affairs, 4 Apr. 2025 While SpaceX has a clear advantage in number of launches, schedule assurance, and pricing—and reliability comparable to ULA—Bruno has recently touted the Vulcan rocket's ability to maneuver over long periods in space as a differentiator. —ArsTechnica, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
Critics dismissed it as an obvious move by the president or a political puff piece amid a flurry of executive orders and political maneuvers. —Lee Igel, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 Atlas boasts 28 degrees of freedom, allowing for complex movements and maneuvers. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 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
  • In Season 4 of the Max comedy, Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels have manipulated their way into their respective dream jobs as host and head writer of a late-night talk show on network TV.
    — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025
  • This country is being manipulated by two people — and those too afraid to have the courage to oppose them.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of manipulate
Verb
  • He had been left out of previous prisoner swaps with Russia that were negotiated by the Biden administration.
    — MATTHEW LEE, arkansasonline.com, 13 Feb. 2025
  • If Freeman wants Notre Dame’s next GM to have more roster control, that may mean negotiating contracts and handling NIL payments.
    — Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
Definition of negotiate
Noun
  • In March, two days of U.S. attacks killed more than 50 people, Houthi officials said.
    — USA Today, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Three decades later, the documentary Oklahoma City Bombing: American Terror looks back on that day, featuring interviews with law enforcement involved in the case and victims of the attack.
    — Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of attack
Noun
  • Other times, the responsible parties engage in active subterfuge.
    — Sarah Stillman, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • His delivery of Mantel’s dialogue—modern, intelligent, bristling with implication and subterfuge—is mesmerizingly clear.
    — Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 20 Mar. 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 22 Apr. 2025.

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