Manipulators: meaning, definitions and examples

Describes people who skillfully control or influence others, often in a deceitful way.

• Be careful, he's known to be a master manipulator.
• Manipulators often twist the truth to achieve their goals.

Fits situations where someone has authority or power over something or someone, focusing on order and discipline.

• The new manager is a strict controller, ensuring everyone follows the rules.
• She's a controller who likes to have everything under her command.

Describes people who take selfish or unethical advantage of others or situations. Negative connotation.

• The exploiters took advantage of the poor workers by underpaying them.
• In any industry, there are always exploiters looking for easy opportunities.

Refers to individuals who make secret or underhanded plans, often for a negative or selfish purpose.

• They were revealed to be schemers, plotting behind everyone's back.
• Beware of schemers; their plans are usually self-serving.

Used to describe people or entities that control others in a devious or unfair way. Often has a negative connotation.

• Be careful of him; I've heard he's a master manipulator.
• The politicians were accused of being manipulators, taking advantage of the public's trust for their gain.

Used to describe individuals or devices that direct or regulate the operations of a system or organization. The word can have a neutral to slightly negative connotation, depending on the context.

• The traffic controllers ensured that the flow of cars was smooth and efficient.
• She was known as a strict controller, keeping everything in perfect order.

Used primarily to describe people who manage, train, or work with animals, but can also refer to someone who manages other individuals, often behind the scenes. Has a more neutral or specialized use.

• The dog handler was very skilled and managed to train even the most stubborn dogs.
• His handler helped him navigate through the complicated political landscape.

Used to describe people who work in various fields, especially in clandestine or secretive operations, such as spies or secret agents. Often has a professional, neutral to positive connotation.

• The CIA operatives carried out their mission with precision and discretion.
• The company hired experienced operatives to improve security measures.