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
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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
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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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Somehow, though, these exploits make for dreary reading.—
Matt Weinstock,
New Yorker,
25 Mar. 2026
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Consider how Russia exploits disasters and climate debates.—
Michael Chertoff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Charles was an employee of Transdev, the contracting company that manages trains, buses and hires drivers.—
Anna Meiler,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2026
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Documents filed with the California Secretary of State show Kiz Design Studio manages the LLC.—
Sandra Barrera,
Oc Register,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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When a willing seller negotiates a fair price with the state of Florida to sell their land, the return on the investment for the state of Florida is huge.—
Joe Murphy,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Mar. 2026
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The chief of staff manages White House staff, organizes the president's time and schedule, directs and manages policy development, negotiates legislation, and keeps in contact with other departments and legislators.—
Doris Alvarez Cea,
Florida Times-Union,
16 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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One person handles the hotel, another takes on excursions, another manages dining.—
Lauren Schuster,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
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Instead of micromanaging every finger, humans provide high-level input while the AI handles coordination.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This technology arranges pocketed coils in a honeycomb-style hexagonal matrix rather than traditional straight rows, allowing weight to be distributed more evenly across the mattress surface.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
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In Morocco, Alex Wix of Wix Squared frequently arranges Sahara journeys with a private astronomer to interpret the constellations.—
Mark Ellwood,
Robb Report,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The board said the Alert Act now addresses its recommendation to require all aircraft flying around busy airports to have key locator systems that would allow the pilots to know more precisely where the traffic around them is flying.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Mar. 2026
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Those sources said the plan addresses Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programs as well as maritime routes but would not provide any other details including which Iranian officials the proposal was sent to.—
Tom Soufi Burridge,
ABC News,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Alexandre Dumas’s novel of identity and revenge gets a big-budget remake with Sam Claflin starring as Edmond Dantès, a sailor wrongly imprisoned in an island fortress who, after his escape and subsequent treasure finding, plots his vengeance.—
Savannah Salazar,
Vulture,
20 Mar. 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Manipulates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manipulates. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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