The meaning of MANIPULATE is to move or control with the hands or by mechanical means especially in a skillful manner. How to use manipulate in a sentence.

MANIPULATE definition: to manage or influence skillfully, especially in an unfair manner. See examples of manipulate used in a sentence.

MANIPULATE definition: 1. to control something or someone to your advantage, often unfairly or dishonestly: 2. to control…. Learn more.

Definition of manipulate verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

If you say that someone manipulates people or events, you disapprove of them because they control or influence them to produce a particular result. He manipulated Terry into doing what he asked.

To move, arrange, operate, or control by the hands or another body part or by mechanical means, especially in a skillful manner: She manipulated the lights to get just the effect she wanted.

Jan 29, 2026 · manipulate (third-person singular simple present manipulates, present participle manipulating, simple past and past participle manipulated) (transitive) To move, arrange or operate …

to handle or use, esp. with skill: He manipulated a large tractor easily by the age of ten. to adapt or change (accounts, etc.) to suit one's purpose: manipulated the sales figures to "create'' a huge profit …

To manipulate something means to handle it skillfully, like the way a sculptor manipulates clay or a really good politician works a crowd.

He's accused of trying to manipulate the price of the stock. The company manipulated its accounts to exaggerate its profits.