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
While the report does not explicitly tie the suspicious loans to individuals, Maimon has also found a rise in recent online material where Yahoo Boys — prolific scammers tied to West Africa, particularly Nigeria — encourage their peers to exploit HELOC loans. Kevin Collier, NBC news, 14 Feb. 2026 That openness is also what attackers exploited. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
No one understands or exploits that shaggy zone quite like Bannon. Josh Tyrangiel, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026 Perhaps the only player in baseball history whose retirement exploits seem to have cost him his place in the Hall of Fame, hurler Curt Schilling didn’t become a full-time starting pitcher until age 25. David Faris, TheWeek, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exploit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exploit
Verb
  • Trump has repeatedly threatened to use force to compel Iran to agree to constrain its nuclear program and over Tehran's crackdown on nationwide protests.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Discoverability, most people just use algorithms to find music nowadays.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Corporations known to have manipulated rental prices & housing supply should be closely monitored.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • During the hours before and during the Super Bowl, Little said, the company detected attempts to manipulate birthdates at triple or more the usual rate.
    Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • To review or object to instances where our partners assert a legitimate interest in utilizing your data, please visit our vendors page.
    Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2026
  • In the costuming department, the show utilized more than 1,000 yards of fabric and 1/2 mile of fringe with 90 types of fabrics represented.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Current coaches Dana Altman and Kelvin Sampson have also accomplished the feat, while Eddie Sutton, Roy Williams, Fran Dunphy, Lou Henson, Bob Huggins and Jim Larranaga had done it previously.
    Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Iowa's dominance in collegiate wrestling The Hawkeyes lead all Iowa schools with 24 team titles at the NCAA Championships, last accomplishing this feat in 2021, and are second all-time, behind Oklahoma State (34).
    Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • For this Alaskan, the start of summer means one thing—time to plan a winter visit.
    Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Consider introducing yourself to a neighbor, because your optimism is ideally positioned to start things off on the right foot.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The experience was deliberately walkable and social, mirroring the rhythm of neighborhood festivals rather than retail pop-ups.
    Yiling Pan, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Consistent with the rest of the hotel, the local landscape is incorporated into the design experience; there are local gems displayed in the waiting area, and the lobby has a giant window that frames a peak of the nearby Shawangunk Mountains that took my breath away.
    Katie Mathews, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools is one of the few districts in the state that has leveraged the program to offer free meals to every student in every building, regardless of their household income.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2026
  • As systems act more autonomously and with greater speed, humans would be tempted to abdicate decision making in order to leverage their power.
    Deb Roy, The Atlantic, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Eight of these units were connected to each other and a linear actuator was installed at one end of the line to apply the force needed to activate the elastocaloric effect.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Regardless of the type, apply the fertilizer in late winter to prepare your tree for the upcoming growing season.
    Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 5 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exploit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exploit. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on exploit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!