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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of manipulate
Later, Cynthia discovers that there are no cameras at Blue Farm and that Ginny manipulated her to help free Georgia.
—
Barry Levitt, Time, 5 June 2025
But the real margin of victory for the opposition — reportedly as much as a 40-point lead — was too large to convincingly manipulate.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
Attackers can design prompts that insert malicious instructions through seemingly innocent prompts, manipulate the model to reset its understanding of its role or subtly influence the model's output by feeding misleading information or context.
—Etay Maor, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
All platforms manipulate users to keep them scrolling.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for manipulate
Barry Levitt, Time, 5 June 2025
But the real margin of victory for the opposition — reportedly as much as a 40-point lead — was too large to convincingly manipulate.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
Attackers can design prompts that insert malicious instructions through seemingly innocent prompts, manipulate the model to reset its understanding of its role or subtly influence the model's output by feeding misleading information or context.
—Etay Maor, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
All platforms manipulate users to keep them scrolling.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for manipulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manipulate
Verb
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Whether climate denial, corporate lobbying or inequitable wealth distribution, our systems often reward those who can exploit the system without regard for their impact on long-term system health.—
Maureen Metcalf,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
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Only in these areas will humanitarian aid be provided—by an American company under direct Israeli security arrangements—to avoid previous distribution arrangements that were exploited by Hamas.—
Assaf Orion,
Foreign Affairs,
3 June 2025
Verb
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The city must manage costs — as difficult as that is to do politically — rather than searching for new ways to increase taxes.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2025
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Your role in the economy could move from direct labor, to managing AI systems like the CEO of a company manages their direct reports, to steering the direction of AI systems working for you like a company board weighing in on long-term direction.—
Luke Drago,
Time,
30 May 2025
Verb
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Here’s the thing, no employee should be left to negotiate basic dignity on their own.—
Aparna Rae,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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The deal was negotiated by VP of Sales and Acquisitions Alex Peters on behalf of Brainstorm and by Christian Sosa of Roosevelt Film Lab.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Even children who are online only in small doses likely see false or inaccurate information that might deceive them.—
Evan Orticio,
Scientific American,
2 June 2025
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In November, Dove pleaded guilty in Gaston County to a dozen felony charges related to illegally accessing police computer systems and helping someone deceive a polygraph test, The Gaston Gazette reported.—
Julia Coin,
Charlotte Observer,
30 May 2025
Verb
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Intelligent chatbots and virtual assistants can handle many customer queries, freeing up human agents for more complex interactions.—
Ivan Ostojić,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
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The Yanks lobbed them the title, and the Dodgers were barely able to handle the throw.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Verb
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Clinics often arrange hotel stays and local transfers.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
28 May 2025
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At Emery’s request, the club arranged a warm-weather camp in Dubai during the March international break, including a couple of friendlies against local teams.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
Verb
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The unit offers mostly young, nonviolent offenders an opportunity to avoid prosecution by completing a program to address the issues that initially led to their arrest.—
Bram Sable-Smith,
CNN Money,
3 June 2025
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In the book, President Wright is trying to pass legislation to address Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
3 June 2025
Verb
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Capelle’s signature compression liner, an innovation engineered for premium support, breathability, and lasting comfort, introduces a watercolor-shifting technology line of the swim trunks, allowing for all-day performance without compromising style or expression.—
Cassell Ferere,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
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This underwire bikini top is engineered to flatter AA, A, and B cups with a close fit that actually hugs your shape.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Manipulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manipulate. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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