as in imposing (on or upon)
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 playing (on or upon)
Verb
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The reforms would also require some facilities to assess the feasibility of using safer technologies or processes in their work, among other changes.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
30 May 2026 -
Zeferjahn had struggled earlier in the season, when the Angels were using him for multiple innings.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
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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Tom accuses me of physically abusing Nick Bilton.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
7 June 2026
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Lots of presidents have deported migrants who are here unlawfully, but Trump has made a show of sending some to a foreign prison notorious for abusing inmates.—
Conor Friedersdorf,
The Atlantic,
6 June 2026
Verb
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Materia is a functional and inclusive fashion brand that merges aesthetics with accessible design, leveraging adaptive constructions and ergonomic design principles.—
Andrea Onate,
Footwear News,
28 May 2026
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The agent intends to finish its job, leveraging the path of least resistance.—
Shreyans Mehta,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Verb
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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
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Uribe sued Cepeda for allegedly manipulating witnesses, but the Supreme Court cleared Cepeda of wrongdoing.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
1 June 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Playing (on or upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playing%20%28on%20or%20upon%29. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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