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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of manipulate
Actors fear their likenesses and voices being replicated and manipulated without permission or payment.
—
Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
Too often, instead of being met with care, they’ve been manipulated and handed division.
—Reshma Saujani, Time, 19 May 2025
The couple is accused of manipulating church members through fear and religious rhetoric.
—Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
Life-changing events, including the loss of a spouse, early onset dementia or another medical issue, can trigger changes in the way someone would react to anyone who is experienced at manipulating people to part with their money.
—Susan Tompor, USA Today, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for manipulate
Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
Too often, instead of being met with care, they’ve been manipulated and handed division.
—Reshma Saujani, Time, 19 May 2025
The couple is accused of manipulating church members through fear and religious rhetoric.
—Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
Life-changing events, including the loss of a spouse, early onset dementia or another medical issue, can trigger changes in the way someone would react to anyone who is experienced at manipulating people to part with their money.
—Susan Tompor, USA Today, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for manipulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manipulate
Verb
-
Whether climate denial, corporate lobbying or inequitable wealth distribution, our systems often reward those who can exploit the system without regard for their impact on long-term system health.—
Maureen Metcalf,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
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Only in these areas will humanitarian aid be provided—by an American company under direct Israeli security arrangements—to avoid previous distribution arrangements that were exploited by Hamas.—
Assaf Orion,
Foreign Affairs,
3 June 2025
Verb
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The city must manage costs — as difficult as that is to do politically — rather than searching for new ways to increase taxes.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2025
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Your role in the economy could move from direct labor, to managing AI systems like the CEO of a company manages their direct reports, to steering the direction of AI systems working for you like a company board weighing in on long-term direction.—
Luke Drago,
Time,
30 May 2025
Verb
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The manufacturing giant had resumed negotiating with the IAM union on May 22.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
25 May 2025
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But as state lawmakers negotiate the first state operating budget since the prison was shuttered, Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration is proposing that Stateville receive nearly as much funding as when the maximum security section of the facility was open.—
Olivia Olander,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Even children who are online only in small doses likely see false or inaccurate information that might deceive them.—
Evan Orticio,
Scientific American,
2 June 2025
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In November, Dove pleaded guilty in Gaston County to a dozen felony charges related to illegally accessing police computer systems and helping someone deceive a polygraph test, The Gaston Gazette reported.—
Julia Coin,
Charlotte Observer,
30 May 2025
Verb
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The Yanks lobbed them the title, and the Dodgers were barely able to handle the throw.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
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Intelligent chatbots and virtual assistants can handle many customer queries, freeing up human agents for more complex interactions.—
Ivan Ostojić,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Verb
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Clinics often arrange hotel stays and local transfers.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
28 May 2025
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At Emery’s request, the club arranged a warm-weather camp in Dubai during the March international break, including a couple of friendlies against local teams.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
Verb
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Platforms would also need to take other steps such as implementing a protocol for addressing suicidal ideation, suicide or self-harm expressed by users.—
Queenie Wong,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2025
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During one section of the talk, commissioning execs from Belgium’s VRT and Switzerland’s SRF addressed how global streamer levies in their territories had been received.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
3 June 2025
Verb
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In March 2025, Colossal unveiled its woolly mouse, engineered to carry genes for the mammoth's characteristic thick, golden coat and accelerated fat metabolism.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
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Instead, its bikes have always been engineered to deliver a characterful and enjoyable riding experience that can suit a wide range of riders.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Manipulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manipulate. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
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