1
as in to exploit
to control or take advantage of by artful, unfair, or insidious means
the con man would slyly manipulate the emotions of his marks in order to win their sympathy and trust
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to manage
to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently
spin doctors manipulating the data to make it seem more favorable to their preferred candidates
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to negotiate
to plan out usually with subtle skill or care
manipulated the schedule of presidential primaries so that the choice of the party elders would win the nomination
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of manipulate
And even the least tech-savvy of us can easily learn now to manipulate photos and bring still images to life.
—
David Lyman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2025
This summer, after initially targeting Punch, the president of SZA’s label TDE, Minaj dissed SZA herself on X, mocking her physical appearance, questioning her level of success, and accusing her of manipulating charts with her release of Lana, the deluxe version of 2022’s SOS.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025
Not to mention the constant need to manipulate it through various updos was causing breakage.
—Kayla Greaves, Essence, 6 Nov. 2025
According to prosecutors, Marion and several other members of the San Diego money laundering cell traveled to Thailand last year to learn how to manipulate victims during the second phase of the scam.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for manipulate
David Lyman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2025
This summer, after initially targeting Punch, the president of SZA’s label TDE, Minaj dissed SZA herself on X, mocking her physical appearance, questioning her level of success, and accusing her of manipulating charts with her release of Lana, the deluxe version of 2022’s SOS.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025
Not to mention the constant need to manipulate it through various updos was causing breakage.
—Kayla Greaves, Essence, 6 Nov. 2025
According to prosecutors, Marion and several other members of the San Diego money laundering cell traveled to Thailand last year to learn how to manipulate victims during the second phase of the scam.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for manipulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manipulate
Verb
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The 30-second spot cites a 2023 New York Times investigation into migrant children trafficked and exploited to work grueling jobs at factories, construction sites, farms and other dangerous work places.—
Nicole Nixon,
Sacbee.com,
5 Nov. 2025
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The organization, which represents the major film and TV studios, as well as major streaming platforms, argues in the letter that Instagram is trying to exploit the public’s trust in its ratings system for its own gain.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In part, the McKinley administration standardized various press protocols and routines involved in managing the press corps—holding somewhat regular briefings, for example, and carefully timing White House announcements.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
7 Nov. 2025
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Because of delays, Peter, having committed to spending a year in Israel, turned to me to manage all aspects of this sprawling project.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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This has given the conflict a religious coloration, and political elites have also chosen to politicize the conflict to negotiate power and other interests, which has complicated the problem.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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One head of a negotiating delegation told CNN they were being charged more than $20,000 for two weeks in a three-bedroom apartment.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Bode’s comment was strictly in reference to the character of the Wizard of Oz, who uses propaganda to manipulate and deceive his subjects in Wicked.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
7 Nov. 2025
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As Venus enters Scorpio, your love life appears quiet, but appearances can be deceiving!—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
12 Nov. 2025
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Gloves are recommended when handling.—
Randy Moll,
Arkansas Online,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The goal of the program, arranged through the hotel concierge, is to encourage discovery of the soul of an area through bold design, local culture, and meaningful connections.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
5 Nov. 2025
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Insofar as it is left to the invisible hand to arrange these matters, this scenario seems truly unavoidable.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Senators attached the continuing resolution to a package of spending bills addressing military construction, veterans affairs, agriculture and congressional operations.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Nov. 2025
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Their decision has highlighted deep divisions over legislative priorities and political strategy as lawmakers scramble to resolve the shutdown and address its nationwide consequences.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Khan blamed the army and the United States for engineering his ouster, and led energetic protests demanding immediate, fresh elections.—
Rafia Zakaria,
Time,
6 Nov. 2025
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Those sensors have also been engineered to self-clean throughout a journey so that snow and ice aren’t able to accumulate fast enough to disrupt the vehicle’s line of sight, according to Tretter.—
Jackie Charniga,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Manipulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manipulate. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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