manage

verb

ˈma-nij How to pronounce manage (audio)
Definition of managenext
1
as in to handle
to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently as usual, she managed the crisis with a minimum of fuss

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to supervise
to look after and make decisions about managed a household and a business simultaneously

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to cope
to meet one's day-to-day needs it'll be hard for a few weeks, but we'll manage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word manage distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of manage are conduct, control, and direct. While all these words mean "to use one's powers to lead, guide, or dominate," manage implies direct handling and manipulating or maneuvering toward a desired result.

manages a meat market

Where would conduct be a reasonable alternative to manage?

The words conduct and manage are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, conduct implies taking responsibility for the acts and achievements of a group.

conducted negotiations

When is control a more appropriate choice than manage?

In some situations, the words control and manage are roughly equivalent. However, control implies a regulating or restraining in order to keep within bounds or on a course.

controlling his appetite

When can direct be used instead of manage?

The meanings of direct and manage largely overlap; however, direct implies constant guiding and regulating so as to achieve smooth operation.

directs the store's day-to-day business

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 manage Other ways to manage costs include opting for modest kitchens and bathrooms, using drywall on the interior, choosing a stock design, and installing a simple roofing system, according to the National Association of Home Builders. —Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2025 One lucky woman in the United Kingdom managed to walk away with a designer handbag at a garage sale for a mere $5. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025 The office manages the federal student loans of more than 40 million people. —Annie Nova, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025 Markle just needs to stay in the batter's box, ignore the crowd, and manage to get on first base. —Ashley Hume, Fox News, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for manage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manage
  1. handle
  2. supervise
  3. cope
  4. manipulate
  5. oversee
  6. do
  7. address
  8. operate
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, because the government would need time to craft new rules and infrastructure, the court would temporarily supervise the detention of minors.
    — Jack Herrera, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Holmes argues the church failed to supervise Lorch and, worse yet, retained him, thus enabling Lorch to allegedly inflict even more harms.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of supervise
Verb
  • As an adult, this coping mechanism can quietly spill into your relationship.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Many cancer centers offer services to help patients and families cope with the psychological and emotional sides of cancer.
    — Julie Scott, MSN, ANP-BC, AOCNP, Verywell Health, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of cope
Verb
  • It could be manipulated by the therapist or simply placed in the correct position by the individual.
    — Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 20 Apr. 2025
  • This is not a new accusation and in the past Fauci and the paper authors disagreed with the accusations that the paper was manipulated or had any specific goal.
    — Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of manipulate
Verb
  • The judge overseeing the trial found last year that Google has a monopoly in online search and related advertising.
    — Jody Godoy, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Pietro Parolin The current secretary of state for the Holy See, Parolin is an experienced Italian diplomat who has helped oversee the Vatican's internal affairs but also worked on behalf of the Catholic Church around the world in countries from Venezuela to Vietnam.
    — Willem Marx, NPR, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of oversee
Verb
  • Here’s hoping these two titans of the game meet one more time in the postseason before they’re done.
    — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • But another South Florida spot did: Itamae Ao, a Nikkei-style Peruvian-Japanese spot in Miami, earned its first Michelin star.
    — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of do
Verb
  • To address inflammation, Dr. Huang recommends Skinfix’s Eczema+ Dermatitis Relief Balm.
    — Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 15 Apr. 2025
  • These activities established the group’s priorities of addressing chronic diseases and population health – goals that have also driven its involvement in disaster response efforts, including hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria and Katrina, as well as the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
    — Casey Luc, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of address
Verb
  • The district would have the authority to plan, purchase, build and operate the facilities to provide water for domestic, municipal and commercial use.
    — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Sam’s Club Grapevine Concept Sam’s Club is a $90 billion division of Walmart Inc. and operates currently from 600 clubs across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
    — Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of operate

Browse Nearby Words

manacling
manage
manageable
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Cite this Entry

“Manage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manage. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

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