Direct
Direct verb - To cause to move to a central point or along a restricted pathway.
Manipulate is a synonym for direct in deed topic. In some cases you can use "Manipulate" instead a verb "Direct".
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
Direct is a synonym for manipulate in deed topic. Sometimes you can use "Direct" instead a verb "Manipulate", if it concerns topics such as exploit, influence.
Mutual synonyms
Common collocations
Both words in one sentence
- They responded to the wills of their creators and could direct and manipulate energy and matter in response to mental force.
- The next one learns from it and avoids a direct confrontation with Gamera, instead trying to manipulate him through his affection for children.
Source: Film / Gamera Vs Viras -
Alucard can manipulate shadows to create illusions, but he almost always prefers a more direct approach.
Source: Master of Illusion
Cite this Source
Manipulate and Direct. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/direct/manipulate
Direct & Manipulate. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/direct/manipulate>.
Manipulate or Direct. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/direct/manipulate.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "direct" and "manipulate" have occurred on timeline