Control
Control verb - Handle and cause to function.
Usage example: control the lever
Manipulate is a synonym for control in subdue topic. In some cases you can use "Manipulate" instead a verb "Control", when it comes to topics like direct, have charge of, have power over. popular alternative
Manipulate
Manipulate verb - To deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently.
Usage example: a scientist effortlessly manipulating a slew of statistics while testifying before Congress
Control is a synonym for manipulate in subdue topic. You can use "Control" instead the word "Manipulate" as a verb or a noun, if it concerns topics such as direct, exploit, operate, influence. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
Common collocations
| mind | control mind | manipulate mind |
| character | control character | manipulate character |
| energy | control energy | manipulate energy |
| fire | control fire | manipulate fire |
| Other words: power, people, body, time, characters, world, weather, water, gravity, everyone, elements, emotions, objects, powers, bodies, minds. | ||
Both words in one sentence
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He usually uses his power to manipulate or control people by giving, withholding or revoking healing.
Source: Good Powers, Bad People - Balor: Create an object called an Eye of Darkness, which you use to control or manipulate gravity, or simply suck things/people into black hole-like voids.
Source: Tabletop Game / Double Cross -
Light 'em Up: As indicated by his name, Lightbringer can control and manipulate photons.
Source: Webcomic / Lightbringer
Cite this Source
Manipulate and Control. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/control/manipulate
Control & Manipulate. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/control/manipulate>.
Manipulate or Control. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/control/manipulate.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "control" and "manipulate" have occurred on timeline