pull strings vs manipulate

pull strings and manipulate both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
pull strings	No	No	Yes	No
manipulate	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, pull strings and manipulate are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of pull strings include pull wires.

pull strings (verb)	manipulate (verb)
influence or control shrewdly or deviously	treat manually, as with massage, for therapeutic purposed
	hold something in one's hands and move it
	maintain influence over (others or oneself) skillfully, usually to one's advantage
	manipulate in a fraudulent manner
	influence or control shrewdly or deviously
	tamper, with the purpose of deception