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
Relevance
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
Examples 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 manipulate
Countries or political actors involved in conflicts have incentives to hide or manipulate these numbers, while third parties might not have access to reliable information.
—
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Some members of the court seemed less swayed by the government's claim that the law served a compelling national security interest by preventing China from covertly manipulating the content on the app.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2025
Defenses have begun to figure out how to manipulate quarterbacks in this system to throw hot and cover the hot routes.
—Ted Nguyen, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
Composed by manipulating the temperature applied to the element, the resulting shimmering colors and emerging shapes echo the encounters between inner experience and scientific phenomena at the heart of her work.
—Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for manipulate 
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Some members of the court seemed less swayed by the government's claim that the law served a compelling national security interest by preventing China from covertly manipulating the content on the app.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2025
Defenses have begun to figure out how to manipulate quarterbacks in this system to throw hot and cover the hot routes.
—Ted Nguyen, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
Composed by manipulating the temperature applied to the element, the resulting shimmering colors and emerging shapes echo the encounters between inner experience and scientific phenomena at the heart of her work.
—Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for manipulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manipulate
Verb
-
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
-
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
Verb
-
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
-
Only one musician manages to beat Charli, as well as Eilish and every other star who lands on the Hot Dance/Pop Songs chart as Americans get their first look at the exciting new tally.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
Starting with Trump's inauguration on Monday, his administration has 70 days to negotiate the tariff before the 50% rate kicks in.—
Olivia Evans,
USA TODAY,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Some even provide fake documents to help scammers deceive others.—
Ryan Nawrocki,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Jan. 2025
-
On the other hand, disinformation is misleading or false information shared with the intent to deceive.—
Jill Hopke,
The Conversation,
17 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Its departments handle border security, immigration detention, citizenship processing, airport security, and natural disasters, among other things.—
Erin Mansfield,
USA TODAY,
18 Jan. 2025
-
The Lobos’ home arena, aptly named The Pit, is considered one of the tougher arenas to visit in the Mountain West — last week, New Mexico easily handled San Diego State 62-48.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
18 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
McGahn arranged a memo warning Trump the move could lead to his impeachment.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA TODAY,
15 Jan. 2025
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
The model was the last large Rolls-Royce to debut before the outbreak of war, and the last engineered with significant input from Sir Henry Royce.—
Ben Oliver,
Robb Report,
14 Jan. 2025
-
Finally, though, wood is back in business in a versatile new form: mass timber, a sturdy, humane product engineered not from ever-scarcer old-growth hardwood trees but from much younger, softer cedar, Douglas fir, and (lately) eastern hemlock.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
8 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near manipulate
Cite this Entry
“Manipulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manipulate. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share