exerts

VERB

make use of

Synonyms

STRONGEST

apply bring to bear exercise expend strive utilize wield

STRONG

dig employ endeavor labor plug ply push strain struggle throw toil use work

WEAK

apply oneself bring into play give all one's got give best shot make effort peg away pour it on put forth put out sweat it try hard

Antonyms

STRONG

conceal hide idle ignore laze relax rest

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.

If one spouse exerts control and the other is disengaged or kept out of the loop, filing tax returns can inflame tensions and drive a wedge into the relationship.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 5, 2026

Tsuruko, the eldest, stays largely offstage but exerts a crucial, conservative influence on family affairs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

That size, along with the amount of control Beijing exerts over state banks, gives it unique capabilities.

From BBC • Nov. 17, 2025

As the energy output rises, the radiation exerts pressure on the incoming material and pushes it outward.

From Science Daily • Nov. 10, 2025

Ben came out then, his bedhead seeming to challenge our basic understanding of the force gravity exerts upon matter.

From "Paper Towns" by John Green