exert

verb

ex·​ert ig-ˈzərt How to pronounce exert (audio)
exerted; exerting; exerts
Synonyms of exert

transitive verb

1
a
: to put forth (strength, effort, etc.)
The force is exerted sideways.
b
: to put (oneself) into action or to tiring effort
won't have to exert himself moving the table
2
: to bring to bear especially with sustained effort or lasting effect
exerted a lot of influence on fellow committee members
3
: employ, wield
exerted leadership abilities intelligently

Synonyms of exert

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Examples of exert in a Sentence

He had to exert all of his strength to move the stone. He exerts a lot of influence on the other members of the committee. the force exerted by the machine
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The effects of these publications were hardly only theoretical, as Italian anarchists exerted a powerful influence on labor strikes. — Ed Simon, JSTOR Daily, 7 Oct. 2026 Subsequent trials in the late 1960s and ’70s eventually proved its effectiveness, and the drug ultimately was recognized for exerting strong antipsychotic effects with virtually no adverse impacts on motor function. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Oct. 2026 Some scholars have argued that political parties should exert more control over nominations, and that strong parties may not need the input of voters in order to offer voters clear and responsible choices about public policies. — Robert Boatright, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2026 Fee remains haunted by his first love for Peter, which exerts a power over his life that feels like fate. — Garth Greenwell, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exert

Word History

Etymology

Latin exsertus, past participle of exserere to thrust out, from ex- + serere to join — more at series

First Known Use

circa 1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of exert was circa 1630

Phrases Containing exert

Rhymes for exert

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Browse Nearby Words

exergue
exert
exertion
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Cite this Entry

“Exert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exert. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

exert

verb
ex·​ert ig-ˈzərt How to pronounce exert (audio)
1
: to put forth (as strength)
the force exerted by a machine
: bring into use or action
exert influence
2
: to put (oneself) into action or to tiring effort
don't exert yourself too much
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