as in exploited
to control or take advantage of by artful, unfair, or insidious means
played upon the customer's vanity to convince her to buy the expensive makeup kit
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for played (upon)
Verb
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Even more concerning, one of them is already being exploited by attackers.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Mar. 2026 -
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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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 (upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/played%20%28upon%29. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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