IPA: /məˈnɪp.jʊ.lə.təri/
KK: /məˈnɪp.jə.lə.tɔːr.i/
Relating to the act of skillfully handling or controlling something, often in a clever or deceptive way.
The manipulative tactics used in the negotiation were surprising to everyone involved.
Manipulatory → It is formed from "manipulatus" (meaning handled or managed) and the suffix "-ory" (meaning relating to or characterized by). The word "manipulatory" refers to something that is related to or characterized by handling or managing.
Think of 'handling' ('manipulatus') when you remember that 'manipulatory' means related to managing or handling something.