What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
controlling
Example
She's very controlling when it comes to planning events. [controlling: adjective]
Example
He's been controlling the company's finances for years. [controlling: verb]
manipulative
Example
She's always been manipulative, using her charm to get what she wants. [manipulative: adjective]
Example
He manipulated the data to make it look like he was doing better than he actually was. [manipulated: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Controlling is a more common word than manipulative in everyday language. Controlling behavior is often seen as assertive or confident, while manipulative behavior is often seen as sneaky or underhanded.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between controlling and manipulative?
Both controlling and manipulative can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, manipulative is often associated with a negative connotation and may be less appropriate in formal settings.
