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
Writers manipulate language to perfect timing and cadence, to create a kaleidoscope of ideas and images.
—
Elizabeth Brown, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2025
Its methods raise disturbing questions about how our personal data can be used to manipulate us.
—Corey G. Johnson, ProPublica, 27 Feb. 2025
The Commission’s recent Enforcement Advisory to the radio industry as a whole stated that manipulating airplay based on artist participation in station events without proper disclosure violates federal laws.
—Thania Garcia, Variety, 26 Feb. 2025
Meanwhile, Asensio maintained his position because the purpose of the routine was to create space for the forward by manipulating Chelsea’s defensive setup.
—Ahmed Walid, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for manipulate
Elizabeth Brown, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2025
Its methods raise disturbing questions about how our personal data can be used to manipulate us.
—Corey G. Johnson, ProPublica, 27 Feb. 2025
The Commission’s recent Enforcement Advisory to the radio industry as a whole stated that manipulating airplay based on artist participation in station events without proper disclosure violates federal laws.
—Thania Garcia, Variety, 26 Feb. 2025
Meanwhile, Asensio maintained his position because the purpose of the routine was to create space for the forward by manipulating Chelsea’s defensive setup.
—Ahmed Walid, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for manipulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manipulate
Verb
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Much of what does exist will be difficult to exploit, particularly at a time of war.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN,
28 Feb. 2025
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Large entities exploited this dynamic, leveraging economies of scale and engaging in aggressive mergers.—
Richard Menger MD MPA,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Readers create characters that have specific abilities and have to manage inventory during the story.—
Rob Wieland,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
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China's growing partnership with Russia and Iran also strengthens their joint opposition to U.S. influence, complicating Washington's efforts to manage global security threats.—
Tommy Tuberville,
Newsweek,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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During the meeting, Trump berated Zelensky, accusing him of insufficient gratitude for U.S. military support and pressuring him to negotiate a peace deal with Russia under terms dictated by the Trump administration.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
2 Mar. 2025
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Trump, who has been negotiating with Russian President Valdimir Putin to end his three-year Russian invasion and occupation of Ukraine − without participation from Ukraine or its European allies, much to their chagrin.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA TODAY,
1 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Photo : Volkswagen No, your eyes do not deceive you, a Volkswagen did earn itself a spot on the list of the greatest luxury vehicles of all time.—
Raphael Orlove,
Robb Report,
27 Feb. 2025
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Despite providing historical records and even materials for a documentary on Bad Boy Entertainment in 2021, Burrowes says he was once again deceived and left unpaid for his contributions.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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In the Oval Office on March 6, Trump was asked what department or agency would handle student loans if the Department of Education was dismantled.—
Rebecca Schneid,
TIME,
7 Mar. 2025
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The change now comes as Abbott’s administration has shifted its relationship with the federal government since Trump took office after years of Abbott publicly rebuking how the Biden administration handled the nation’s borders.—
Anna Giaritelli,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Three years later, Ade arranged a romantic trip to Italy for the couple with the intention of asking Houston to be his wife.—
Megan Pinckney Rutherford,
Vogue,
4 Mar. 2025
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In 1894, Ah Say arranged to have a hundred-and-thirty-foot ceremonial dragon delivered for the community’s annual New Year celebration.—
Michael Luo,
The New Yorker,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Kohl’s has a tremendous opportunity to build on our strengths, address key areas of opportunity and better serve our customers every day.—
David Moin,
WWD,
11 Mar. 2025
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As was included in the previous agreements, the deal reached over the weekend addresses a key complaint of the guards by issuing a 90-day suspension of a provision of a state law that limits the use of solitary confinement.—
Landon Mion,
Fox News,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The Ethical and Business Risk of Algorithmic Appetite Control The question isn’t whether AI can engineer stronger cravings.—
Jason Snyder,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
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In 1948, the Communists engineered a coup in Prague and took the Czech store of uranium.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Manipulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manipulate. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
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