manipulate
verb (used with object)
to manage or influence skillfully, especially in an unfair manner.
was manipulating
-
past progressiveof manipulate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But the movements are smooth and precise, and straight away I was manipulating the blocks and cups.
From BBC ● Feb. 12, 2026
One of the challenges of developing the platform was manipulating the diamond -- a mere 300 nanometers wide -- to align with the lithium niobate.
From Science Daily ● Dec. 14, 2023
Oh, I don't think he was manipulating me at all, to be honest with you.
From Salon ● Sep. 10, 2023
“What’s funny is, I wrote that song about someone I had been with who I felt was manipulating me and taking advantage of me,” the singer explained.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 25, 2023
It was like watching a movie with a voice-over narration, but with one great difference: He was manipulating the pieces and speaking so rapidly that it was difficult to connect the moves with his commentary.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
