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exploit

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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
This latest project dives deep into the world of romance scams, revealing how fraudsters prey on the vulnerable, manipulate trust, and exploit romance to steal fortunes. Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2025 Whether through cyber operations, intellectual property theft, or now these scam centers, China exploits grey zones that provide strategic advantage while maintaining deniability. Mike Kuiken, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
The pair appears ready to repeat their exploits from last season. Mike Kaye updated August 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2025 Hardy noticed that young people in different cities were boasting about their exploits. Rich Schapiro, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exploit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exploit
Verb
  • Russian media reports suggested that Putin stopped using the residence from 2024 amid intensifying Ukrainian drone attacks.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Wash dirty hands before using a touchscreen or laptop keyboard.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • When writers see and manipulate structure, words become poetry.
    Rebecca Coffey, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Cyrus was quick to defend herself, implying her words had been manipulated by the Times.
    Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Firefighters on the ground continued to reinforce lines previously built over the past week, utilizing strategic firing to fill in unburned areas from Fence Meadow Lookout to Nutmeg Saddle.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Ohio State will have to find a way to spy Navarro and also mix some complicated coverages in the secondary, but also utilize the defensive line to keep Navarro in the pocket when passing plays break down.
    Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Scott was recently appointed the creative director of Proenza Schouler; not a small feat, especially for a Black woman hailing from Jamaica.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 10 Sep. 2025
  • What about a drone, which could easily manage the feat?
    Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And your decisions affect other things.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Our main quibbles were with the fans—fan buzz and a lack of more fan filtration are two things to contend with—but experienced PC builders will find workarounds.
    Thomas Soderstrom, PC Magazine, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In this blog, Everest Group’s Peter Bendor-Samuel and Richard Sear bring together their perspectives from years of experience advising global enterprises and shaping advanced science and technology strategy.
    Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Army soldiers, even those in non-combat jobs or those who lack previous firearms experience, must pass a rifle marksmanship test that includes targets as far as 325 yards away after mere days of training.
    Will Carless, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Counterterrorism strategies must continue to adapt to meet this evolving battleground, leveraging not only military and intelligence tools but also public-private partnerships with tech platforms, AI monitoring, and global diplomacy.
    Richard Frankel, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The new strategy aims to leverage Ford’s iconic brand while simultaneously signaling that the car company is entering a new era, Materazzo said.
    Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • With this certification program, employees can take short learning breaks and access ready-to-apply AI content on demand, instantly increasing their AI acumen.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The other end of the spectrum are breaks that happen when a single application of force is applied to the bone.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exploit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exploit. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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