1
as in exploiting
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 managing
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 negotiating
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 manipulating
Like Muir, Lustmord’s Brian Williams creates harrowing, light-devouring music by digitally manipulating a vast library of sounds he’s collected via sampling and field recording.
—
Brad Sanders, Pitchfork, 8 June 2026
The ever-expanding, replicating, and manipulating series of rooms take scraps and memories of those who pass through it, expanding into something that defies personality or ease.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 2 June 2026
Uribe sued Cepeda for allegedly manipulating witnesses, but the Supreme Court cleared Cepeda of wrongdoing.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 1 June 2026
Even as topics of AI creation loom, Oakey sees potential in manipulating technology all over again and seeing what results this time around.
—Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 28 May 2026
Unlike vision-only systems, Atlas relies heavily on proprioception—internal sensing of body position, load, balance, grip, and resistance—while manipulating objects.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 May 2026
The Zapatistas, considered the first informational guerrilla movement, used hacktivism, or manipulating computer systems or networks to promote a political ideology or social change.
—Paulo Nuno Vicenteall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026
Consider, too, relatively new forms of trickery, such as manipulating substitution procedures or spying on rivals.
—Cesar R. Torres, The Conversation, 26 May 2026
The malevolent Sidious put Maul through the wringer, torturing and manipulating him on his path to becoming a fearsome Sith Lord.
—Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 19 May 2026
Brad Sanders, Pitchfork, 8 June 2026
The ever-expanding, replicating, and manipulating series of rooms take scraps and memories of those who pass through it, expanding into something that defies personality or ease.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 2 June 2026
Uribe sued Cepeda for allegedly manipulating witnesses, but the Supreme Court cleared Cepeda of wrongdoing.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 1 June 2026
Even as topics of AI creation loom, Oakey sees potential in manipulating technology all over again and seeing what results this time around.
—Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 28 May 2026
Unlike vision-only systems, Atlas relies heavily on proprioception—internal sensing of body position, load, balance, grip, and resistance—while manipulating objects.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 May 2026
The Zapatistas, considered the first informational guerrilla movement, used hacktivism, or manipulating computer systems or networks to promote a political ideology or social change.
—Paulo Nuno Vicenteall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026
Consider, too, relatively new forms of trickery, such as manipulating substitution procedures or spying on rivals.
—Cesar R. Torres, The Conversation, 26 May 2026
The malevolent Sidious put Maul through the wringer, torturing and manipulating him on his path to becoming a fearsome Sith Lord.
—Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 19 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manipulating
Verb
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Researchers have described humans as highly omnivorous, exploiting a wide range of plant, animal and fungal foods across environments as disparate as the Arctic tundra and equatorial rainforest.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
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Traditionally, the oldest fires are believed to be the result of exploiting natural fires.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
6 June 2026
Verb
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The strategy is being driven by the conviction that the future of AI belongs to autonomous agents capable of executing complex, multi-step tasks — such as booking travel or managing calendars — rather than simply answering queries.—
Amedeo Goria,
Fortune,
7 June 2026
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Appearing on Fox News, Lankford said the nation’s top intelligence post requires a leader with deep experience managing sensitive national security matters and suggested Pulte’s background raises legitimate questions.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
7 June 2026
Verb
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Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator between the US and Iran in recent months during the war in the Middle East, playing a leading role in negotiating a temporary ceasefire in April.—
Alayna Treene,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
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College hockey already is negotiating a tumultuous era.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
29 May 2026
Verb
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He was also accused of deceiving escrow agents to secure the release of pre-construction condo deposits and then misappropriated those funds for personal expenses unrelated to the developments.—
Jay Weaver
June 6,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2026
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While the prominence resembles a fiery eruption, Johnston notes that looks can be deceiving.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
5 June 2026
Verb
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Pasadena police will be handling the perimeter and directing pedestrians and traffic away from the training area.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
-
Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 June 2026
Verb
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Ikebana flower arranging — Japan Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging, has been practiced since the late 15th century and remains deeply embedded in Japanese culture today.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
29 May 2026
-
Ikebana flower arranging — Japan.—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
29 May 2026
Verb
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Ecology remained characteristic of her approach, but Carson now broadened her aims to encompass a mobilization of public opinion equal to the task of addressing the widespread harms of chemical pesticides in everyday life and agricultural ecosystems alike.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
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When Licata and state-appointed board chair Pete Geren first assumed their roles in March, addressing grade-level performance in English and reading was a major priority.—
Samuel O’Neal
June 8,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 June 2026
Verb
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Bolsonaro was arrested and ultimately convicted of plotting a coup to overturn the results of that election.—
Jim DeFede,
CBS News,
6 June 2026
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Scary Movie was just released and Marlon Wayans is already plotting a cameo for the next sequel.—
Derek Lawrence,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Manipulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manipulating. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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