"Uses for one's own ends" is a phrase that refers to the act of manipulating or exploiting resources, people, or situations for personal gain. There are several synonyms for this phrase, including "exploitation," "manipulation," "opportunism," "self-serving," and "selfishness." Exploitation refers to the act of taking advantage of someone or something for one's own benefit, while manipulation refers to the use of subtle or indirect tactics to control or influence others for personal gain. Opportunism is the act of taking advantage of circumstances for personal benefit, while selfishness is the focus on one's own needs and desires at the expense of others. Overall, these synonyms highlight varying degrees of self-serving behavior.