Meaning & use

manipulate

verb·Academic

To control or influence someone or something skillfully, often in an unfair or deceptive way.

See it in a sentence

The salesman tried to manipulate customers into buying insurance they didn't need.

Surgeons use tiny tools to manipulate tissue during minimally invasive procedures.

A note on using this word

Usually negative when applied to people, implying dishonesty, but neutral when applied to objects or data.

Words with a similar meaning

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