manipulate

verb

mə-ˈni-pyə-ˌlāt How to pronounce manipulate (audio)
Definition of manipulatenext
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

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 In virtually every practice, Rodgers gives the young quarterbacks a small piece of information — how to throw the ball on the run, how to carry out play-action, how to manipulate defenders with their eyes. — Mike Defabo, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 New tools in neuroscience have allowed researchers to manipulate the activity of specific neurons in mice brains. — Danny G. Winder, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026 The association said the money was lost after criminals impersonated its leadership and manipulated financial transactions. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 Herrouet was arrested in November and charged with grand theft and running a scheme to defraud by employing relatives and manipulating payroll expenses, according to the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office. — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manipulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manipulate
  1. exploit
  2. manage
  3. negotiate
  4. deceive
  5. handle
  6. arrange
  7. address
  8. engineer
Verb
  • Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have uncovered a new processor attack that can bypass defenses in Intel and AMD chips by exploiting a security gap lasting only a handful of instructions.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Other Surrealists, meanwhile, seemed to take from animals a license to exploit other (generally female) bodies, as in Clovis Trouille’sJustine(1937), in which both a naked female figure and a lion are bound and captive.
    — Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of exploit
Verb
  • With much of the country's economy geared toward its lucrative and well-managed fishing industry, fishing rights have been a talking point in the run-up to the referendum.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Rebecca Sanders, a national safety practice leader at the transportation consulting firm Fehr & Peers, led a 2019 report at Arizona State University and Toole Design looking at various strategies used across the country to manage speed.
    — Jeff McMurray, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of manage
Verb
  • As Kroenke and Moreno negotiated a sale, change was already underway.
    — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Ironically, the aesthetic language of the old colonial overlords helped negotiate between conflicting sensitivities and aspirations.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of negotiate
Verb
  • Your eyes aren't deceiving you — the little delivery robots rolling down Washington DC streets are becoming a more common sight.
    — Mike Stunson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Jury Duty has managed to deceive two unsuspecting do-gooders with civic duty and a company retreat.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of deceive
Verb
  • Loading silverware handles down and usable ends up ensures maximum cleanliness but may lead to accidents.
    — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Sánchez is facing mounting scrutiny amid a prolonged humanitarian crisis in Ceuta, where the flood of thousands of migrants has angered residents in the tiny community, which is ill-equipped to handle such an influx.
    — Suman Naishadham, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of handle
Verb
  • Still, each guest enjoys their secluded villa, private spa time, and a personal guide to arrange hiking and water excursions like snorkeling and surfing.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Tafoya arranged for five blank checks paid as bribes by a marijuana firm to be cashed with the help of his brother and passed one $10,000 check on to marketer Chavez, according to the plea agreement.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of arrange
Verb
  • Melonas did not address the initial contact in his response, instead explaining federal agencies are required to collaborate.
    — Lily Knoepp, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Once the aging parent’s worries are addressed, their initial stubbornness might disappear.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of address
Verb
  • More than just thirst quenchers, functional beverages are engineered to deliver a wellness punch with vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, electrolytes, probiotics and enzymes for gut health and adaptogens for mood support.
    — Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • View gallery - 4 images For decades, the recipe for a premium folding bicycle has been to engineer a smart hinge mechanism, choose your metal and fire up the welding torch.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of engineer

Browse Nearby Words

man in the street
manipulate
manipulated
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Cite this Entry

“Manipulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manipulate. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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