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

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 heinous incident appears to be a deliberate act intended to punish the victim by exploiting her love for her pet. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026 Hanging a decoy nest in your yard exploits this natural instinct and can discourage wasps from building nearby. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
This coming-of-age comedy follows the exploits of 15-year-old Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), who deals with the emotional fallout of her father’s death while juggling school, a complicated relationship with her mother, and an obsessive crush on a classmate. Andrew Walsh, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Apr. 2026 No secondary exploit is needed. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exploit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exploit
Verb
  • Building and construction unions no longer can use their old rhetorical cudgel in this debate — calling prefab homes flimsy and unsafe.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Be careful not to let someone else manipulate you or use guilt or jealousy as a technique.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 3 Apr. 2026
  • During this time, Duggar manipulated the victim’s underwear and grazed her genitals.
    Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • This season, the Royals have utilized Falter in a different role.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The gadget works by utilizing a blue-violet light to attract insects, which are then zapped by a 4200-volt electric grid on contact.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Congress rarely manages to assemble bipartisan housing legislation of any real ambition, which makes the Senate’s recent passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act a remarkable feat.
    Brad Hargreaves, Washington Post, 7 Apr. 2026
  • As The Athletic’s Ian O’Connor wrote, Mullins’ 35-foot dagger was a singular feat of March Madness.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Here are five more things to know about the film festival.
    Adam Bell April 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026
  • If getting pampered isn’t your thing, the 18-hole Championship golf course is popular and has hosted PGA and LPGA events.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Every staff member plays the role of concierge and can be tapped for advice, insights, and recommendations, including unique and under-the-radar experiences and tours of the city.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Some patients wait and see The early experience with the pill hasn’t been smooth for everyone.
    Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Playing on the sympathy of the owner of the local sawmill, Winston leverages his family’s plight to talk his way into a job.
    Francine Prose, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
  • In contrast to conventional batteries that primarily rely on chemical reactions to store and discharge energy, quantum batteries leverage unique quantum-mechanical properties, such as superposition and entanglement.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Financially Distressed City Law allows home-rule municipalities in the top 5% of tax rates and the bottom 5% of tax income per capita to apply for fiscal relief via a state takeover of finances.
    Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The change will not apply to customers who bought tickets before Friday, April 3, the airline said.
    Jordan Freiman, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exploit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exploit. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.

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