| Answer | Crossword Clue |
|---|---|
| PULLSTHESTRINGS | Exerts control |
| WIELDS | Exerts |
| PULLSSTRINGS | Exerts influence |
| ENDEAVORS | Exerts effort. |
| ACTS | Exerts energy. |
| ACTS | Exerts force. |
| PRODS | Exerts pressure |
| LEANS | Exerts pressure |
| LABORS | Exerts oneself |
| PRISES | Exerts leverage: Var. |
| COMPELS | Exerts pressure on |
| STRAINS | Exerts utmost effort |
| TWISTSONESARM | Exerts pressure on |
| HAULS | Exerts traction on |
| COASTS | Exerts no effort |
| TOILS | Exerts elbow grease |
| STRAINS | Exerts to the utmost. |
| OWNS | Exerts dominance over, in slang |
