exert

[ig-zurt] / ɪgˈzɜrt /

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.

Nobody knows how many, but it doesn’t take too many for it to exert a lot of leverage.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

“It can exert heavy influence on market stability, quarter-end flows and short-term volatility for S&P 500.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 28, 2026

Or they could be just to exert more bargaining pressure on Tehran.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

"No one cares about us", Najdi lamented, calling on "everyone who can to exert pressure to stop this barbarity".

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

Ethiopia, he thought, would be the first place he could truly exert his faith.

From "Where Things Come Back" by John Corey Whaley