1
as in to exploit
to control or take advantage of by artful, unfair, or insidious means
the con man would slyly manipulate the emotions of his marks in order to win their sympathy and trust
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to manage
to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently
spin doctors manipulating the data to make it seem more favorable to their preferred candidates
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to negotiate
to plan out usually with subtle skill or care
manipulated the schedule of presidential primaries so that the choice of the party elders would win the nomination
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of manipulate
The autonomous nature of agentic AI means that these systems can be manipulated, much like human employees.
—
Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Organizers spoke explicitly about using social media to manipulate Western narratives, exploiting empathy as a tool to dismantle American institutions from within.
—Kevin Waldman, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
Stalin’s Soviet Union and Ceausescu’s Romania also wielded state power to manipulate population growth.
—Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2025
Rather than letting the moment pass, Ye seized it as an opportunity to launch another fiery critique against the Kardashian-Jenner clan, accusing them of manipulating and exploiting his children.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for manipulate
Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Organizers spoke explicitly about using social media to manipulate Western narratives, exploiting empathy as a tool to dismantle American institutions from within.
—Kevin Waldman, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
Stalin’s Soviet Union and Ceausescu’s Romania also wielded state power to manipulate population growth.
—Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2025
Rather than letting the moment pass, Ye seized it as an opportunity to launch another fiery critique against the Kardashian-Jenner clan, accusing them of manipulating and exploiting his children.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for manipulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manipulate
Verb
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Chinese discount retailers like Shein and Temu and many Amazon, Walmart, Shopify and other marketplace retailers have exploited the de minimus exception to their advantage.—
Pamela N. Danziger,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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Crime groups are using artificial intelligence to write scamming scripts and are exploiting increasingly realistic deepfake technology to create personas, pose as a love interests, and mask their identity, voice and gender.—
Teele Rebane,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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As for recharging, Google could do better—the Pixel 9a manages just 23 W wired and 7.5 W wireless, and the flagship Pixels are only a little faster.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
10 Apr. 2025
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With the 18-34 crowd, the season managed a 0.378 rating, up 14% from last season’s 0.332 rating.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Officials have not made clear whether the White House is open to negotiating the tariffs.—
Sarah Fortinsky,
The Hill,
7 Apr. 2025
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Michael Barbaro speaks to Thomas Sipp, a lawyer who chose to quit after his firm, Skadden, negotiated a deal to placate the president. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture.—
Michael Barbaro,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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More than a dozen state attorneys general also have sued TikTok, alleging last year that the company deceived users about its child safety tools and deployed harmful features to keep children on the platform longer to maximize profits.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
4 Apr. 2025
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There is evidence of motivated malicious actors abusing the 'verified account' to deceive users.—
Jon Brodkin,
ArsTechnica,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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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
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The bulbs are durable and waterproof, able to handle extreme heat and cold.—
Nora Colomer,
FOXNews.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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But the human author was a sort of conductor: prompting, arranging, intervening.—
Anna Wiener,
New Yorker,
9 Apr. 2025
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Oz: On [Richard’s] birthday, Laura arranged for maybe a dozen Civil War reenactors to come galloping onto the set.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Companies are increasingly facing the real costs of climate change—from facilities hit by extreme weather to supply chain disruptions—which will need to be addressed.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
4 Apr. 2025
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Another installation titled ‘Rings of Collaboration’ addresses the need for inclusive design and solutions that respond to the needs of those with disabilities.—
Roddy Clarke,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission driving the front or all four wheels (all-wheel drive, engineered to maximize on-road traction, is offered on all trims).—
Michael Harley,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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Future engineered dire wolves may be created, but for now, Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi remain isolated, watched by veterinary staff on the preserve.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Manipulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manipulate. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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