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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of manipulate
Jane became resistant as time went on and wanted these nights to drop, but Combs plied her with drugs and manipulated her into continuing, Slavik told the jury.
—
Nbc News, NBC news, 26 June 2025
Once again, Netanyahu manipulated Trump to assist him in attacking Iran under pretenses not supported by the evidence.
—Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 24 June 2025
She was barred from running a second time, in 2004, after accusing the regime of torturing political prisoners and manipulating elections.
—Robin Wright, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
Freud revealed the subterranean sources of our desires; advertisers manipulate our taste for breakfast cereals as well as presidents.
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for manipulate
Nbc News, NBC news, 26 June 2025
Once again, Netanyahu manipulated Trump to assist him in attacking Iran under pretenses not supported by the evidence.
—Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 24 June 2025
She was barred from running a second time, in 2004, after accusing the regime of torturing political prisoners and manipulating elections.
—Robin Wright, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
Freud revealed the subterranean sources of our desires; advertisers manipulate our taste for breakfast cereals as well as presidents.
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for manipulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manipulate
Verb
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The risk was leaving big spaces out wide that could be exploited in transition, by Juventus’ wing-backs especially.—
Liam Tharme,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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Pratt’s conviction kept him behind bars for 27 years, and the case haunted Cochran, who believed Pratt was innocent and who had made a mistake at trial that prosecutors skillfully exploited.—
Christopher Goffard,
Los Angeles Times,
28 June 2025
Verb
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Thrivent now manages just under $200 billion in assets and ranks on the Fortune 500 list at No. 388.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
23 June 2025
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Like all business ventures, festivals need to find a fan fit and manage through variables like costs, weather, artist availability and addressable market.—
Geoff Robins,
Rolling Stone,
23 June 2025
Verb
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Deals like those could get done before the official start time because teams are allowed to negotiate with their own free agents once the NBA Finals are finished.—
Tim Reynolds,
Chicago Tribune,
1 July 2025
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The White House told Newsweek that Trump had been working to help farmers, including eliminating 10 regulations for every new regulation, as well as negotiating the U.K. trade deal, which expanded the markets available to them.—
Billal Rahman
Dan Gooding,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
Verb
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The person is not trying to deceive or control, but the behavior still affects others and requires self awareness and growth to correct.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
27 June 2025
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Where was this sense of urgency when the mullahs were attempting to deceive U.N. inspectors while sandbagging U.S. efforts to diplomatically scuttle the country’s nuclear efforts?—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
21 June 2025
Verb
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These terms remain in effect until February 1, 2026, at which point Capital One will update its policies regarding guests and additional users to handle issues of overcrowding.—
Paul Rubio,
AFAR Media,
23 June 2025
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The day-to-day operations of Crystal Palace are handled by chairman Steve Parish, as well as Josh Harris and David Blitzer, who own the Devils and Philadelphia 76ers.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
23 June 2025
Verb
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Palm Beach County Commissioner Sara Baxter has rushed to arrange a commission vote, ratifying it.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
20 June 2025
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Attentive staffers will be on hand for towel drops and spritz refills, as well as to help arrange water sports or beach games.—
Cameron Sperance,
Travel + Leisure,
20 June 2025
Verb
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Breslow addressed three areas of need in starting pitching, bullpen help and another bat for the lineup.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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The move to delist them paused as the federal government addressed the federal court’s concerns, including researching the grizzly bear’s diet.—
Christine Peterson,
Vox,
27 June 2025
Verb
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The robotic arms are similar to those used in automotive manufacturing, engineered for speed, precision, and reliability.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
30 June 2025
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Each pop-up event is meticulously engineered to provide not only memorable consumer experiences but also gather crucial data, enabling Kizik to better understand market readiness for future investments.—
Brin Snelling,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Manipulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manipulate. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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