# maneuver

/məˈnuvɝ/ (US) · /mənˈuːvɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/maneuver
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to move carefully

verb · CEFR B2 · American English

to move yourself or an object carefully into a specific place, often because the space is tight or the object is heavy.

For teachers: to move something or oneself with skill and care, typically through a confined space or difficult terrain.

- It was difficult to maneuver the large sofa through the narrow doorway.
- The pilot had to maneuver the aircraft through a narrow mountain pass while dealing with unpredictable crosswinds.

Usage: Often used with a prepositional phrase of direction or location.

### 2. to manipulate a situation

verb · CEFR C1 · American English · Formal

to use clever or dishonest ways to get what you want or to control a situation.

For teachers: to use stratagems or schemes to influence a person or a situation toward a desired outcome.

- He tried to maneuver himself into a better position within the company.
- The diplomat successfully maneuvered the opposing parties toward a compromise that satisfied both national interests.

Usage: Can be used transitively with a person as the object or intransitively.

### 3. a skillful movement

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a movement that needs skill or care, such as when driving a car or performing a physical task.

For teachers: a physical movement or series of moves requiring skill and care, often involving a vehicle or tool.

- Parking in such a small space required a very clever maneuver.
- The gymnast performed a complex maneuver on the high bar that left the judges and the audience in awe.

### 4. a clever plan

noun · CEFR C1 · American English

a clever or skillful action that is part of a plan to achieve something.

For teachers: a strategic or tactical action designed to deceive an opponent or gain an advantage.

- The lawyer's latest legal maneuver delayed the trial for another month.
- The CEO's bold financial maneuver allowed the firm to avoid a hostile takeover during the economic downturn.

### 5. military/medical procedure

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Technical

a planned movement of soldiers or a specific physical action done by a doctor.

For teachers: a large-scale tactical exercise by military forces or a specific, often named, physical procedure in clinical practice.

- The doctor performed a quick maneuver to help the patient breathe again.
- The army conducted a series of complex maneuvers near the border to demonstrate their readiness for any potential conflict.

## Examples

- She maneuvered the car into the tight spot.
- The captain maneuvered the ship through the storm without damage.
- The diplomat maneuvered the opposing parties toward a compromise by carefully balancing their demands.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.