Synonyms for Manipulate (same or very similar meaning)
WordNet sense 1 (fake or falsify):
cook, fake, falsify, fudge, misrepresent, wangle
WordNet sense 2 (influence or control shrewdly or deviously):
pull strings, pull wires
WordNet sense 3 (manipulate in a fraudulent manner):
rig
WordNet sense 4 (control (others or oneself) or influence skillfully, usually to one's advantage):
control, keep in line
From the ODE community, based on WordNet
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