as in used
to take unfair advantage of
the candidate played on the voters' prejudices
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for played (on or upon)
Verb
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Ballistics testing conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation later confirmed that the gun Harrison had when he was arrested was the same modified firearm used in the killing, prosecutors said.—
CBS Atlanta Digital Team,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2026 -
His death was one of more than 1,000 nationally that an investigation led by The Associated Press identified as happening after police officers used physical force or weapons that were supposed to stop, but not kill, people.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Even more concerning, one of them is already being exploited by attackers.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Mar. 2026
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After Europeans arrived, the islands were exploited for the military, ranching, drilling, and fishing.—
Betsy Andrews,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Subscribers’ oral argument Arguing for the subscribers, attorney Amanda Bonn of Susman Godfrey maintained that Gutierrez abused his discretion.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
11 Mar. 2026
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During that time, court officials said Gillespie abused his position for personal gain.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Several have successfully leveraged a gap in campaign finance rules to keep their funders anonymous until after the primary.—
David Hickey,
NBC news,
17 Mar. 2026
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DeChambeau, meanwhile, has leveraged his pro golf career to build a YouTube empire with millions of followers.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Warren cited the possibility that Grok could leak classified information to adversaries, be manipulated based on biased or inaccurate data, or lack critical safety controls and put service members in danger.—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
16 Mar. 2026
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The situation might have been manipulated but their reactions remain natural even if slightly tentative.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
15 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Played (on or upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/played%20%28on%20or%20upon%29. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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