EXPLOIT Synonyms: 137 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'exploit' differ from other similar words?

The words achievement and feat are common synonyms of exploit . While all three words mean "a remarkable deed," exploit suggests an adventurous or heroic act. // his exploits as a spy

Q: When could 'achievement' be used to replace 'exploit'?

In some situations, the words achievement and exploit are roughly equivalent. However, achievement implies hard-won success in the face of difficulty or opposition. // her achievements as a chemist

Q: When is it sensible to use 'feat' instead of 'exploit'?

The words feat and exploit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, feat implies strength or dexterity or daring. // an acrobatic feat

exploit 1 of 2

verb

ik-ˈsplȯit

Definition of exploit next

as in to use

to take unfair advantage of the type of person who exploits a friend's good nature by constantly sponging off of him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to manipulate

to control or take advantage of by artful, unfair, or insidious means a politician more than willing to exploit any national tragedy for political gain

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to utilize

to put into action or service it will be a shame if you don't exploit your artistic talent to the fullest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

exploit

2 of 2

noun

ˈek-ˌsplȯit

as in feat

an act of notable skill, strength, or cleverness the fanciful exploits of the giant lumberjack Paul Bunyan

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in thing

something done by someone once famed as an actor, John Wilkes Booth is now remembered for a single exploit, his assassination of Lincoln

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in experience

an exciting or noteworthy event that one experiences firsthand a memoir recounting three decades of exploits as a roving foreign correspondent for TV news

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun exploit differ from other similar words?

The words achievement and feat are common synonyms of exploit. While all three words mean "a remarkable deed," exploit suggests an adventurous or heroic act.

his exploits as a spy

When could achievement be used to replace exploit?

In some situations, the words achievement and exploit are roughly equivalent. However, achievement implies hard-won success in the face of difficulty or opposition.

her achievements as a chemist

When is it sensible to use feat instead of exploit?

The words feat and exploit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, feat implies strength or dexterity or daring.

an acrobatic feat

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of exploit

Verb

Listen to this article Former students have brought a class action lawsuit against a private college-preparatory day and boarding school in Connecticut alleging that the school’s former IT administrator exploited them through his access to their electronic devices and the school’s computer network. —

Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2025 Addictive behavior is the most predictable type of consumer behavior and the easiest to exploit for profits. —

Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Feb. 2025

Noun

These updates prevent potential exploits that could compromise user data. How to Install iOS 18.3 Installing the update is a straightforward process: Open Settings on your iPhone. —

Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 This works to combat zero-click exploits where a hacker can get in simply by sending you the right code. —

Kim Komando, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for exploit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exploit

Verb

Over the past few months, Mace has filed a bill seeking to ban transgender women from using women's bathrooms at the U.S. Capitol.

— Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

— Staff report, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2025