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
Relevance
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of manipulates
Reinhart’s Apple is a deliciously deadly mystery wrapped in sequins and pure unadulterated attitude, as Tung’s Pumpkin subtly manipulates the group to get to the bottom of a past incident that weighs on her personally, despite her new friends being oblivious to her true identity.
—
Glenn Garner, Deadline, 17 Mar. 2026
The film is being released as newsrooms shrink, the mainstream media consolidates and social media manipulates the meaning of truth.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 12 Mar. 2026
In his score, Wagner manipulates space and scale, suggesting intimate chambers and vast expanses of the North Atlantic with innumerable shadings of orchestration.
—Justin Davidson, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026
Just like Rodgers did a decade earlier, Prescott manipulates the flat defender (circled in red) and hits CeeDee Lamb in stride just behind the linebacker.
—Mike Defabo, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Throughout the process, the robot simultaneously navigates, avoids obstacles, and manipulates objects without human guidance.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Feb. 2026
Memory safety issues occur when software accesses or manipulates memory in an unintended way.
—IEEE Spectrum, 28 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, Luke and his fellow rebel demigods fall under Kronos’ influence as the Titan manipulates them into helping resurrect him.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Also, the fact that Stephen’s not physically intense, necessarily, but moreso manipulates mentally with mind games must bring its own challenges.
—Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 13 Jan. 2026
Glenn Garner, Deadline, 17 Mar. 2026
The film is being released as newsrooms shrink, the mainstream media consolidates and social media manipulates the meaning of truth.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 12 Mar. 2026
In his score, Wagner manipulates space and scale, suggesting intimate chambers and vast expanses of the North Atlantic with innumerable shadings of orchestration.
—Justin Davidson, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026
Just like Rodgers did a decade earlier, Prescott manipulates the flat defender (circled in red) and hits CeeDee Lamb in stride just behind the linebacker.
—Mike Defabo, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Throughout the process, the robot simultaneously navigates, avoids obstacles, and manipulates objects without human guidance.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Feb. 2026
Memory safety issues occur when software accesses or manipulates memory in an unintended way.
—IEEE Spectrum, 28 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, Luke and his fellow rebel demigods fall under Kronos’ influence as the Titan manipulates them into helping resurrect him.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Also, the fact that Stephen’s not physically intense, necessarily, but moreso manipulates mentally with mind games must bring its own challenges.
—Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 13 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manipulates
Verb
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Consider how Russia exploits disasters and climate debates.—
Michael Chertoff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Mar. 2026
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Nebraska became the latest state to sue Roblox on Wednesday, alleging that the popular gaming platform exploits children and misrepresents its safety practices.—
Angela Yang,
NBC news,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The agency also offers Sabbath food boxes at no cost, refers individuals for health care and social services and manages a closet full of modest clothing for observant women.—
Lois K. Solomon,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
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The property feels deeply rooted in Highlands, North Carolina, yet manages to create its own intimate world behind stone walls and warmly lit hallways.—
Katie Strasberg Rousso,
Southern Living,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Their goal — to demand better wages and improved working conditions as American Airlines negotiates a new contract at the airport.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Mar. 2026
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Once a shortlist is established, The PEO Link negotiates terms, presents structured comparisons, and supports implementation.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In a statement issued Friday, the commission accused X of using its 'blue checkmark' in a way that deceives users.—
Mary Cunningham,
CBS News,
5 Dec. 2025
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The fragmentary Ni 12501 tablet from the Early Dynastic III period of Mesopotamia breaks off when Fox deceives the inhabitants of the netherworld in his quest to retrieve the storm god Ishkur.—
Rafil Kroll-Zaidi,
Harpers Magazine,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In a world where AI handles so much, your human connections become your competitive advantage.—
Phil Blair,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
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The work is billed through the O’Rourke & Moody law firm, which handles the administrative tasks.—
Madeline Buckley,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Uber already arranges Waymo rides on its app in Austin, Atlanta and Phoenix.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
11 Mar. 2026
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Alternatively, fly into Johannesburg and connect to Polokwane, where the lodge arranges a 90-minute road transfer.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The exhibit addresses the Middle Passage, an especially fraught part of the Atlantic Ocean crossing where many of the captives died.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 Mar. 2026
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The play addresses depression, suicide, and mental health.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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As Helen plots revenge and Madeline clings to her rapidly fading star, their world is suddenly turned upside down by Viola Van Horn, a mysterious woman with a secret that's to die for.—
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
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In 1893, Scottish-Canadian author, Robert Barr, wrote a short story about an unhappy married couple that was vacationing in the Swiss Alps when the husband plots to push his wife off of a cliff.—
Mary Beth Skylis,
Outside,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Manipulates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manipulates. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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