Meaning

(transitive) To move, arrange or operate something using the hands.

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To move, arrange or operate something using the hands
2. (transitive) To influence, manage, direct, control or tamper with something
3. (transitive, medicine) To handle and move a body part, either as an examination or for a therapeutic purpose
4. (transitive) To influence or control someone in order to achieve a specific purpose, especially one that is unknown to the one being manipulated and beneficial to the manipulator; to use
5. (intransitive, dated) To use the hands, especially in scientific experiments.

Example Sentences

manipulate data

The software can manipulate images easily.

cleverly manipulate

She knew how to manipulate people to get her way.

Word Forms

• manipulates
• manipulating
• manipulated

Synonyms for manipulate

Related Words

When Should You Use Manipulate?

Use manipulate when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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