verb

make full use of and derive benefit from (a resource).

500 companies sprang up to exploit this new technology

utilize,make use of,put to use,use,use to good advantage,turn/put to good use,make the most of,capitalize on,benefit from,turn to account,draw on,profit from/by,make capital out of,cash in on,milk

noun

a bold or daring feat.

despite a series of colourful exploits, his agents obtained little intelligence of value

feat,deed,act,adventure,stunt,escapade,manoeuvre,enterprise,undertaking,move,achievement,accomplishment,attainment,triumph,handiwork,lark,caper