Synonyms of manipulates

manipulates

verb

present tense third-person singular of manipulate

1

as in exploits

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

• exploits
• deceives
• plays (upon)
• maneuvers
• tricks
• deludes
• engineers
• arranges
• hoodwinks
• devises
• plots
• schemes
• intrigues
• fools
• dupes
• defrauds
• beguiles
• finagles
• kids
• contrives
• jockeys
• bluffs
• gulls
• swindles
• cheats
• finesses
• takes in
• snows
• masterminds
• cozens
• hoaxes
• shanghais
• hustles
• cons
• chisels
• fleeces
• machinates

2

as in manages

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

• manages
• handles
• addresses
• takes
• negotiates
• treats
• plays
• maneuvers
• swings
• fields
• contends (with)
• pulls
• hacks
• comes to grips with
• controls
• regulates
• has a grip on
• directs
• copes (with)
• grapples (with)
• engineers
• steers
• guides
• carries out
• finesses
• gets off
• commands
• micromanages
• reacts (to)
• responds (to)
• runs
• brings off
• jockeys
• carries off

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mishandles
• fumbles
• botches
• bungles
• messes (up)
• goofs (up)
• muffs
• scamps
• louses up
• foozles

3

as in negotiates

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

• negotiates
• arranges
• plots
• engineers
• manages
• contrives
• maneuvers
• finesses
• concludes
• finagles
• wangles
• frames
• masterminds
• conducts
• machinates
• schemes
• directs
• concocts
• connives
• works out
• intrigues
• handles
• concerts
• hammers out
• hatches
• angles (for)
• cooks (up)
• commands
• brews
• runs
• compasses
• captains
• quarterbacks
• gerrymanders

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mangles
• blows
• mishandles
• fumbles
• botches
• bungles
• messes (up)
• butchers
• flubs
• gums (up)
• bobbles
• muffs
• louses up

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of manipulates

Researchers are still working out exactly how the parasite causes this change, but studies have found changes in proteins in the host’s brain as the parasite manipulates it. — Tara Deans, The Conversation, 30 Oct. 2026

In Kazan’s remake, Cathy craves power and freedom and manipulates the men in her life to achieve those goals. — Katie Gunderman, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026

The series follows Mónica, a newly qualified lawyer who learns to defraud clients, manipulates her family to secure an inheritance, then betrays her mentor. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026

In an interview with the Shade Room last year, Knight’s son, Shanga Hankerson, claimed McDowell pushed the singer into performing and manipulates her. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

An anxiety ring is a piece of jewelry with a spinning band, bead or textured surface that the wearer manipulates with their fingers as a discreet grounding tool. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 17 Aug. 2026

The drug was created by evil businessman Roland Daggett who manipulates Hagen to take over Wayne Enterprises. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 23 July 2026

In retaliation, Artemis manipulates the winds so that Agamemnon and his fleet can’t sail to Troy. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 20 July 2026

Okorie is the best driving guard in the class, a 6-1 jitterbug who manipulates defenders with a tight handle, sudden changes of speed, and an advanced feel for the game. — Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 16 June 2026