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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

RoguePlanet, tracked as CVE-2026-50656, came to public notice in June when NightmareEclipse, the pseudonymous name used by a researcher, disclosed it along with code for exploiting it. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2026 And ultimately, like with any of those things, it becomes exploited for negative power. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 9 July 2026

Noun

The rodent may be apprehended, but its exploits will live on infamy. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 9 July 2026 That distinction means exploits can work even in cloud environments that implement and use their own virtualization stack. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for exploit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exploit

Verb

When the Wright brothers first flew, the doubt was never about whether the machine worked, but whether flight would ever be something ordinary people used without a second thought.

— Charlotte Kiang, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
In the Tahoe Basin, the Caldor fire restoration plan outlines roughly 3,600 acres where the Forest Service could use ground crews to apply herbicide directly to shrubs — no aerial spraying.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Definition of use

Verb

The kitchen block is located to the right of the entry, utilizing an optional portable induction cooker, rectangular sink with flush-mount lid and available 90-L Isotherm door fridge.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 July 2026
An extra forward to kill penalties Panthers coach Paul Maurice has shown a tendency to utilize his fourth-line center on the penalty kill.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 8 July 2026

Definition of utilize

Noun

The logistics of bringing such a high caliber of theater on the road are a true feat.

— Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026
The math world just got a new genius—a prodigy who announced himself by affixing his name to his signature feat of numerical prowess.

— Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 13 July 2026

Definition of feat

Noun

Don pioneered innovations in projection technology, 3D and large-format filmmaking, and immersive attractions that changed how audiences experience stories.

— Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 11 July 2026
The city’s Thursday night farmer’s market, which the LA Times calls one of the top 10 California experiences, is a great way to kick off a long weekend in San Luis Obispo.

— Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of experience

Verb

Brazil is building, and its stars looking for larger markets, leveraging its film industry’s sudden explosion onto the international film scene.

— John Hopewell, Variety, 7 July 2026
While bad actors are increasingly deploying AI to scale and automate their operations, organizations are also leveraging the technology to improve threat detection and accelerate response times.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 7 July 2026

Definition of leverage

Verb

The Calabria governor confirmed that 63 Cuban doctors, some of them previously involved in Cuba’s international medical mission, recently applied to work in its healthcare system independently.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026
The hospitality wage and the enforcement fee only apply to hotels and motels with 150 or more rooms — roughly 110 properties.

— David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 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 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of exploit

verb

noun

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