exploit 1 of 2

Definition of exploitnext

exploit

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun exploit differ from other similar words?

The words achievement and feat are common synonyms of exploit. While all three words mean "a remarkable deed," exploit suggests an adventurous or heroic act.

his exploits as a spy

When could achievement be used to replace exploit?

In some situations, the words achievement and exploit are roughly equivalent. However, achievement implies hard-won success in the face of difficulty or opposition.

her achievements as a chemist

When is it sensible to use feat instead of exploit?

The words feat and exploit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, feat implies strength or dexterity or daring.

an acrobatic feat

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 exploit
Verb
How Lukashenko can exploit the EU-US split For Lukashenko, the benefit of the transatlantic split is concrete. Tatsiana Kulakevich, The Conversation, 4 June 2026 Just as Davila recruited Lewis, investigators are increasingly certain that fixers are exploiting addiction to target vulnerable players. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 4 June 2026
Noun
But there is no doubt that the NAACP is right about the contradiction of people cheering the exploits of Black athletes at college programs while also cheering the diminishing of Black political representation. Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 4 June 2026 Sawyer got a tip about an exploit in Vision Media’s network that was being used to gain unauthorized access. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for exploit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exploit
Verb
  • Tabbed nothing less than the golden generation, they were meant to grow a sport that long had roots but never could quite blossom, using the soil of their own country to do it.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 13 June 2026
  • Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • What online scammers are looking to steal The FBI issued a warning last month that cybercriminals are manipulating or reproducing the official FIFA World Cup website to scam fans who are looking for tickets, hospitality packages, merchandise, streaming access and betting opportunities.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
  • Ironically then, the state’s efforts to verify the legitimacy of ballots lengthen the count, which then leads to allegations that the count is being manipulated.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Northrop Grumman said the new chip fully utilizes this portion of the radio spectrum to improve signal performance while reducing the need for larger and more power-intensive equipment.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 June 2026
  • Another unique feature at the PHL hub is that all of the transatlantic flights utilize the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
    Ted Reed, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Johnson signaled that the House is waiting for the Senate to act on FISA, a feat that will require the bipartisan support of at least 60 senators.
    John Parkinson, ABC News, 9 June 2026
  • The Nationals accomplish a very rare feat as four consecutive batters hit solo homers in the 8th inning in Petco Park in San Diego to break a 1-1 tie.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • The other thing that was really interesting is this weeping sickness that Sugi described in the beginning.
    Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • That’s when things went south on the Dodgers.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • This had the effect of doubling the experience for everyone but Pippa.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
  • This stunning resort has 11 pool experiences, including a kid-friendly waterscape with a splash pad, waterslide, and gentle 18-inch-deep pool.
    Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • By leveraging exact data and diagnostics, organizations can pinpoint exactly where their culture is fracturing—frequently among Black women, employees with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ professionals.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
  • Analysts note the dates heavily leverage deep Shia religious iconography, falling directly within the holy mourning month of Muharram.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • Sacramento consistently ranks among the most diverse cities in the country, and that applies across all stripes.
    Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
  • Organizations are just choosing not to apply them when speed is on the line.
    Art Gilliland, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exploit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exploit. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

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