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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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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Somehow the Horned Frogs managed to win that game, 66-60, in an emotional victory that would end up setting the course for another historic season.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 Jan. 2025
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Santos launched a partnership with two Chinese entities to build and manage Hofusan in 2015, creating the industrial park that now has deals to host 40 Chinese companies.—
David Culver,
CNN,
18 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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The pursuit was reinvigorated in the process of negotiating with Real Sociedad for the signing of Mikel Merino last August.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
The Athletic,
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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Hanlon says Flexjet and other business jet operators successfully deal with TFRs and other challenges on a daily basis, and the company's operations team is set up to handle them.—
Doug Gollan,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
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Once again, Gavin Newsom may have to campaign on his way to defeating the effort easily, instead of being 100 percent focused on rebuilding the Los Angeles area and continuing to handle the fifth largest economy on the planet.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
18 Jan. 2025
Verb
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McGahn arranged a memo warning Trump the move could lead to his impeachment.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA TODAY,
15 Jan. 2025
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One day before TikTok star Deborah Finck died of rare soft tissue cancer, her daughter Katerina arranged a meaningful memory.—
Zoey Lyttle,
People.com,
15 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The company’s offerings include a suite of customizable, cutting-edge solutions designed to address real-world challenges across industries.—
Kyle J. Russell,
USA TODAY,
22 Jan. 2025
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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
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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The robotic puppy is engineered for practical, everyday use with an impressive all-day battery life.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
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 30 Jan. 2025.
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