Words For Deception And Manipulation

noun a person who is skilled at manipulating or deceiving others in order to achieve their own goals

• The finagler managed to manipulate the financial records undetected for years.
• I heard that Bob is a real finagler when it comes to getting out of paying for things.
• That finagler always finds a way to cheat the system.
• She was a finagler of emotions, always twisting situations to her advantage.

verb to smile in an irritatingly smug, conceited, or silly way

• The lawyer stood before the judge, smirking confidently as he presented his case.
• She caught him smirking at her from across the room during the meeting.
• I saw him smirking like he knew something we didn't.
• The painting seemed to come to life with the figure's smirking expression.