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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of manipulate
Actors fear their likenesses and voices being replicated and manipulated without permission or payment.
—
Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
Too often, instead of being met with care, they’ve been manipulated and handed division.
—Reshma Saujani, Time, 19 May 2025
The couple is accused of manipulating church members through fear and religious rhetoric.
—Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
Life-changing events, including the loss of a spouse, early onset dementia or another medical issue, can trigger changes in the way someone would react to anyone who is experienced at manipulating people to part with their money.
—Susan Tompor, USA Today, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for manipulate
Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
Too often, instead of being met with care, they’ve been manipulated and handed division.
—Reshma Saujani, Time, 19 May 2025
The couple is accused of manipulating church members through fear and religious rhetoric.
—Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
Life-changing events, including the loss of a spouse, early onset dementia or another medical issue, can trigger changes in the way someone would react to anyone who is experienced at manipulating people to part with their money.
—Susan Tompor, USA Today, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for manipulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manipulate
Verb
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Our own threat research labs (CTRL) revealed five trends defining how bad actors will further exploit AI to advance their malicious intentions.—
Etay Maor,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
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Updates often include important security patches that fix vulnerabilities hackers might try to exploit.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
22 May 2025
Verb
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Russell tried to console Elissa and somehow managed to keep himself composed, holding up both of them through the disappointment.—
Kristen Jordan Shamus,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
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Getting a good night's rest, eating nutrient-dense foods, and engaging in activities that boost energy levels can help manage chronic fatigue.—
Joy Emeh,
Health,
18 May 2025
Verb
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The manufacturing giant had resumed negotiating with the IAM union on May 22.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
25 May 2025
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But as state lawmakers negotiate the first state operating budget since the prison was shuttered, Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration is proposing that Stateville receive nearly as much funding as when the maximum security section of the facility was open.—
Olivia Olander,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Their book has already generated a national debate about whether the White House deceived the public about the president’s condition and how Biden’s late exit from the race undermined the Democratic Party’s chances of stopping a second term for President Trump.—
Stephen Battaglio,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2025
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Although Bristol’s spring race may appear to have sparse crowds, this is somewhat deceiving.—
Jordan Bianchi,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
Verb
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Driving experience Air Ride Adaptive Suspension & Magnetic Ride Control: this adjusts the vehicle’s height and damping for handling various driving conditions.—
Brooke Crothers,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
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This names someone who can pay your bills and otherwise handle your finances if you become incapacitated.—
Liz Weston,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2025
Verb
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Clinics often arrange hotel stays and local transfers.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
28 May 2025
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At Emery’s request, the club arranged a warm-weather camp in Dubai during the March international break, including a couple of friendlies against local teams.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
Verb
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The opinion also addressed fears voiced by critics that allowing the firings of Wilcox and Harris would jeopardize the independence of the Federal Reserve.—
John Kruzel,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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Each panic source will have its own steps for addressing them, of course.—
Rebecca Fraser-Thill,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
Verb
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Instead, its bikes have always been engineered to deliver a characterful and enjoyable riding experience that can suit a wide range of riders.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 May 2025
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In March 2025, Colossal unveiled its woolly mouse, engineered to carry genes for the mammoth's characteristic thick, golden coat and accelerated fat metabolism.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Manipulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manipulate. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
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