as in exploited
to control or take advantage of by artful, unfair, or insidious means
played upon the customer's vanity to convince her to buy the expensive makeup kit
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for played (upon)
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 -
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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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 (upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/played%20%28upon%29. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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