Manipulated: meaning, definitions and examples

When talking about someone skillfully and often dishonestly handling or controlling something or someone to their own advantage. It generally has a negative connotation.

• He manipulated the data to get the results he wanted
• She felt manipulated by his constant lies

When referring to having an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something. It can be positive, negative, or neutral.

• Her speech had a big influence on the audience
• Friends can influence each other's behavior

When referring to having the power to command, regulate, or oversee someone or something. It can be used in both positive and negative situations.

• He wants to control his company's future
• The police need to control the crowd during the event

When referring to taking advantage of someone or something in an unfair or selfish way. This word typically has a negative connotation.

• The company exploited its workers by paying them very low wages
• She exploited the situation to her own benefit

When talking about carefully arranging or organizing a complex plan or event. It usually implies skill and coordination, and can be neuter or positive.

• She orchestrated the entire event flawlessly
• They orchestrated a campaign to promote the new product

Use when something is skillfully controlled or handled, often to influence or deceive. Usually carries a negative connotation, suggesting deception.

• The data was manipulated to show better results.
• She felt manipulated into agreeing to the proposal.

Employed when referring to controlling or managing something, often machinery or systems. Typically has a neutral or professional connotation.

• He knows how to operate heavy machinery.
• They need to operate the security system carefully.

Applied when making small changes to improve or correct something. Neutral and often positive in connotation.

• He adjusted the settings on his phone for better battery life.
• She adjusted her chair to be more comfortable.

Used when something is made false or counterfeit, often involving deceit. Strong negative connotation.

• They were caught trying to falsify the signatures.
• He falsified his academic credentials to get the job.

Refers to altering something, typically to deceive or mislead. Has a distinctly negative connotation when used in this context.

• He doctored the documents to hide his financial fraud.
• The photos were doctored to make the product look more appealing.

Used to describe a situation where someone has been influenced or directed in a skillful but often unfair or deceitful way.

• She felt manipulated by his constant lies.
• The public was manipulated by the false news.

Refers to a person or system that directs or regulates something. This term is often neutral and can be used in various contexts, including leadership and management.

• He is the controller of the financial department.
• The flight controller monitored the airplane's landing.

Refers to a person who uses others unfairly for their own advantage, often seen negatively.

• She realized her boss was an exploiter who only cared about profits.
• The exploiter took advantage of the workers’ desperate situation.

Describes someone who makes secret plans aimed at achieving some selfish or underhanded goal. Often used negatively.

• The company fell apart because of a schemer within the management.
• He was known as a schemer, always plotting his next move.

Used to describe a person who lies or misleads others. The term carries a strong negative connotation.

• He turned out to be a deceiver who had duped everyone.
• The deceiver was finally caught and confronted.