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
Budget growth without performance measurement has created the illusion of progress—one that attackers continue to exploit. James Hadley, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 These people didn’t see me as a young woman who had been exploited. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
The first security exploits show what could go wrong. Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 20 Jan. 2026 With Derby now drawn forward to leave space in behind the exploit, Doyle chipped a delightful pass down the wing for George Thomason to chase. Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exploit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exploit
Verb
  • Declined to apply for a state grant of up to $400,000 to test the use of the drug buprenorphine to combat opioid use disorder.
    Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Likely hundreds of millions of devices, even when using more balanced market share metrics.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Higgins stole $356,181 through the scheme and reportedly manipulated the company’s accounting records to conceal her crimes, according to court records.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2026
  • In the alternative hypothesis, the lottery was somehow manipulated.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • There is a way that this could have been done better, utilizing visual storytelling, establishing atmosphere and a sense of place that could have given a sense of the music, its large appeal and the circumstances that shaped it, while also allowing JayDee to shine in his own way.
    Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
  • By owning the technology, Netflix can utilize first-party viewing history and engagement data to provide privacy-conscious, detailed targeting, such as reaching viewers who consistently enjoy action or sci-fi content, without relying on third-party cookies.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In the Kings’ first season in Kansas City, the 6-foot-1 guard led the NBA in both scoring and assists — a rare feat that cemented his place in league history.
    Alexa Stone, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Only six other actors have achieved this feat, including Daniel Day-Lewis, Michael Caine, Laurence Olivier, Jack Lemmon, Peter Finch and Dustin Hoffman.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The updates mark Google’s push toward an agentic web, where browsers do more than display pages and instead help users get things done faster.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026
  • These are the signature Big Think dialogues that slow things down, ditch the script, and reveal how great minds actually think.
    Daphne Koller, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • On Saturday, the Riviera Country Club was home to the one-night culinary experience featuring two dozen Michelin chefs hosted by HexClad in partnership with Riviera Country Club benefiting Steadfast LA and ongoing wildfire recovery efforts.
    Michelle Edgar, Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Neuroscience has long shown that watching another person experience pain activates the same neural regions as experiencing pain ourselves.
    Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Weiser, who is running for governor in this year’s election, characterized the attacks as Trump trying to leverage the power of the executive branch to exercise unconstitutional authority over how individual states conduct elections and oversee their criminal justice systems.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2026
  • But a constant churn of financial maneuvers (spinning off Saks’ e-commerce, creating co-working spaces in underutilized stores, all while being highly leveraged) brought some benefit but never obviated the need to invest more in basics.
    Phil Wahba, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Higgsfield tracks results, applies campaign payout formulas, and handles distribution and payment.
    Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • With several weeks remaining in the winter season, some will have to apply for additional days.
    Terell Bailey, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exploit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exploit. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

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