as in used
to take unfair advantage of
the candidate played on the voters' prejudices
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for played (on or upon)
Verb
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The third site, in the 900 block of Reno Avenue in Modesto, was used by the drug trafficking organization to store and distribute illicit narcotics, which were being sold throughout Northern California, authorities said.—
Andrea Flores,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026 -
Geologists used temperature sensors in the geyser’s runoff channels to monitor these bursts, noting that the current pattern is similar to that observed during the geyser’s 2017 revival.—
Munis Raza,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Americans and others in the developed world also have exploited efficiencies in power use that have allowed major economies to grow without creating commensurate demands for electrical power.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
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The German sees the ball sail over the bar, with Martin Dubravka committed and the goal somewhat there to be exploited by Nmecha.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The complaint alleges that the late singer abused the four siblings at international and national tour stops as well as at his Santa Barbara County estate, Neverland Ranch.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Mar. 2026
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During the investigation, multiple other individuals reported that Joachim had abused them in the late 1990s and early 2000s.—
Michael Cuviello,
Dallas Morning News,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Consider your options carefully, then, as $100,000 in savings should be leveraged as strategically as possible, especially in today's economy.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
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But Bluefield State committed 21 turnovers to the Broncos’ seven, and the latter leveraged that margin into a 25-6 gap in points off of turnovers.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
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One of the images – which was flagged during a CNN check as being potentially AI-manipulated – showed the girl, believed to be named Kim Ju Ae and in her early teens, firing a sniper rifle.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
28 Feb. 2026
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The boarding crew noticed panels containing the vessel’s bilge pump were manipulated, raising suspicion it was being used for smuggling, the complaint states.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Played (on or upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/played%20%28on%20or%20upon%29. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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