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
But concerns about its potential to serve as a tool for Beijing to manipulate and spy on Americans pre-date Trump’s first presidency.
—
Sally Ho, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025
That has raised concerns about how it could be used to manipulate public perception given its owner’s ties to the Trump administration.
—Thomas Beaumont, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
His brother, children, and ex-wife, Susan, describe a bitter, paranoid conspiracy theorist haunted by the past, lost in the face of shifting musical tastes, hopelessly addicted to alcohol, and manipulated by Amy to turn on his family.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 19 Jan. 2025
The raptors’ behavior underscores the complex relationship between fire and wildlife, revealing how some species adapt and even manipulate their surroundings to thrive.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for manipulate 
Sally Ho, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025
That has raised concerns about how it could be used to manipulate public perception given its owner’s ties to the Trump administration.
—Thomas Beaumont, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
His brother, children, and ex-wife, Susan, describe a bitter, paranoid conspiracy theorist haunted by the past, lost in the face of shifting musical tastes, hopelessly addicted to alcohol, and manipulated by Amy to turn on his family.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 19 Jan. 2025
The raptors’ behavior underscores the complex relationship between fire and wildlife, revealing how some species adapt and even manipulate their surroundings to thrive.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for manipulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manipulate
Verb
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Beijing is exploiting energy importers' fears regarding Trump’s potential for erratic behavior while highlighting the risks associated with declining market shares for energy suppliers.—
Wesley Alexander Hill,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
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Yes, the Dodgers are exploiting the system through a formula of signing bonuses and deferred payments, using money generated from a 25-year, $8.35 billion local-television deal and their league-leading attendance every year since 2013.—
Ken Rosenthal,
The Athletic,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Then, in December, the National Park Service issued its final rule restricting bear baiting on Alaska lands managed by the NPS.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
31 Jan. 2025
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Those accounts are managed by the White House so with a new administration, the content on those Pages changes.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
30 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Although Kessler is a high-profile litigator, including by leading high-profile antitrust lawsuits against the NCAA, NASCAR, U.S. Soccer, the NFL and other major sports defendants, litigators sometimes negotiate resolutions without having to go to court.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
25 Jan. 2025
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In other markets, inventory will be lower and there will be less room to negotiate.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Some even provide fake documents to help scammers deceive others.—
Ryan Nawrocki,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Jan. 2025
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On the other hand, disinformation is misleading or false information shared with the intent to deceive.—
Jill Hopke,
The Conversation,
17 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Working in a variety of styles, the designers handle every aspect of the design process, from interior architectural detailing to custom furniture design.—
Dan Howarth,
Architectural Digest,
30 Jan. 2025
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Relievers such as Tyler Holton, Will Vest and Jason Foley also handled hitters well from both sides of the plate.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
The Athletic,
30 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Over the weekend, Trump administration officials arranged another ride-along, that time in Chicago, for the daytime TV talk show star Dr. Phil McGraw.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN,
28 Jan. 2025
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The company arranged for two Fox Sports personnel, Julian Edelman and Charissa Thompson, to do a tease of sorts just before kickoff of Fox’s Sunday telecast of the NFC Championship.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
28 Jan. 2025
Verb
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To address this, brands increasingly use detailed briefs and co-creation sessions, fostering a partnership approach rather than dictating terms.—
Emily Reynolds Bergh,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
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Twelve other claims the band included such breach of contract and fraudulent concealment weren’t addressed in the decision.—
Ethan Millman,
Rolling Stone,
22 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Back then its four thrusters – totaling 60 kW – were engineered to push the three-person submersible to speeds of 8 knots – that's reportedly faster than the cruising speed of a bottlenose dolphin – at depths of up to 300 m (984.25 ft).—
Paul Ridden,
New Atlas,
25 Jan. 2025
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When Hydrants Aren’t Enough Philip Cheung for The New York Times In large-scale fires, hydrant systems can quickly be pushed beyond what they were engineered to handle.—
Mitch Smith,
New York Times,
24 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near manipulate
Cite this Entry
“Manipulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manipulate. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
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