EXPLOIT Synonyms: 137 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

exploit 1 of 2

verb

ik-ˈsplȯit

Definition of exploit

as in to use

to take unfair advantage of the type of person who exploits a friend's good nature by constantly sponging off of him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to manipulate

to control or take advantage of by artful, unfair, or insidious means a politician more than willing to exploit any national tragedy for political gain

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to utilize

to put into action or service it will be a shame if you don't exploit your artistic talent to the fullest

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

exploit

2 of 2

noun

ˈek-ˌsplȯit

as in feat

an act of notable skill, strength, or cleverness the fanciful exploits of the giant lumberjack Paul Bunyan

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in thing

something done by someone once famed as an actor, John Wilkes Booth is now remembered for a single exploit, his assassination of Lincoln

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as in experience

an exciting or noteworthy event that one experiences firsthand a memoir recounting three decades of exploits as a roving foreign correspondent for TV news

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Based in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Amuse Labs is a digital animation studio and production company focused on creating, producing and internationally exploiting children’s content for broadcasters and digital platforms. — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 16 July 2026 In a statement, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the rule closes a loophole that international students have exploited by extending their studies. — Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 16 July 2026

Noun

In addition to his memorable onscreen roles, Neill became social media famous later in life for chronicling his fun farm exploits. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 13 July 2026 In an increasingly digital world, their exploits have expanded to dating apps and social media. — Mackenzie Farkus, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for exploit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exploit

Verb

This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 15, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
The company says its CoSMo fusion systems are based on the magnetic mirror concept, which uses magnetic fields to confine high-temperature plasma.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026

Definition of use

Verb

Raving can be traced to the late 1980s, when artists like DJ Pierre and Spanky sparked a bright but short flame of acid house in Chicago clubs, manipulating synthesizers to create squelchy beats dancers could jack their bodies to.

— Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 15 July 2026
Today’s elite are going to extraordinary lengths to manipulate their microclimates, from morphing mansions to underground snow rooms.

— Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 15 July 2026

Definition of manipulate

Noun

Only eight players have achieved the feat at any World Cup since 1970.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Ella Langley controls three of the top four spots on the Billboard Hot 100 this week, joining Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter as the only female artists to manage the feat.

— Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of feat

Noun

Steinbach is essentially a walking double-double and should only improve with more confidence and experience.

— Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
While technical climbing experience isn’t mandatory to reach the summit, the mountain is also not to be trifled with.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026

Definition of experience

Verb

For a Japanese company to leverage Ohtani and the Dodgers to introduce itself to an American audience is nothing new — not just for tangible consumer goods, but also for animated characters.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026
That’s thanks, in large part, to the fact the space company will leverage existing technology to build a more agile launch infrastructure.

— Chris Young July 12, New Atlas, 13 July 2026

Definition of leverage

Verb

The tariff will apply to a host of Brazilian products, but will exempt certain major exports including coffee, beef, avocados, Brazil nuts, petroleum oils and aircraft parts, according to a notice published by the Office of the USTR.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
More than 36,000 people have applied since online submissions opened May 1 via Mnet Plus, with almost a third of applicants coming from the Americas.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 July 2026

Definition of apply

Browse Nearby Words

exploding

exploit

exploitable

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Style

“Exploit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exploit. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of exploit

verb

noun

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