as in uses
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 plays (on or upon)
Verb
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The video, which has been posted on Instagram and TikTok and viewed thousands of times, shows a man either dead or dying from gunshot wounds as a Richmond detective uses a blunt object to smash in the driver’s side of his own vehicle and open the door.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
24 Jan. 2026 -
Johnnie Ray Salisbury, now 71, was linked to the case by forensic genealogy — a science that uses DNA from a family tree to narrow down a suspect.—
Meredith Colias-Pete,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In the film, Victor emotionally abuses the Creature.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
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Anyone who abuses a position of power and jeopardizes our national security will be held accountable.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Much as a private security company exploits rising risks to increase the cost of its services, Washington exploits European vulnerability and enjoys the attendant escalation of tension between Russia and its European allies.—
Ivan Krastev,
Time,
21 Jan. 2026
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While the American military base RDA relentlessly exploits Pandora, Sully and his family seek refuge with the reef-dwelling, aquatic clan of Metkayina.—
James Mercadante,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, Luke and his fellow rebel demigods fall under Kronos’ influence as the Titan manipulates them into helping resurrect him.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
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Also, the fact that Stephen’s not physically intense, necessarily, but moreso manipulates mentally with mind games must bring its own challenges.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Aspen Neuroscience leverages stem cell research to treat Parkinson’s disease.—
Noelle Harff,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Jan. 2026
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Novra Power has developed a modular turbine that leverages the capabilities of advanced 3D metal printing additive manufacturing technologies.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Plays (on or upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plays%20%28on%20or%20upon%29. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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