influence 1 of 2

noun

ˈin-ˌflü-ən(t)s How to pronounce influence (audio)
Definition of influencenext
1
as in sway
the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly a mayor who doesn't hesitate to use her influence to get business leaders behind civic improvements

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in effect
the power to bring about a result on another the basic premise of astrology is that the position of the stars has an influence on human affairs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

influence

2 of 2

verb

as in to affect
to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response the news reports of the devastating flood influenced a great many people to make contributions for food and supplies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word influence distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of influence are authority, credit, prestige, and weight. While all these words mean "power exerted over the minds or behavior of others," influence may apply to a force exercised and received consciously or unconsciously.

used her influence to get the bill passed

When can authority be used instead of influence?

While in some cases nearly identical to influence, authority implies the power of winning devotion or allegiance or of compelling acceptance and belief.

his opinions lacked authority

When might credit be a better fit than influence?

The words credit and influence can be used in similar contexts, but credit suggests influence that arises from the confidence of others.

his credit with the press

Where would prestige be a reasonable alternative to influence?

The synonyms prestige and influence are sometimes interchangeable, but prestige implies the ascendancy given by conspicuous excellence or reputation for superiority.

the prestige of the newspaper

When could weight be used to replace influence?

In some situations, the words weight and influence are roughly equivalent. However, weight implies measurable or decisive influence in determining acts or choices.

their wishes obviously carried much weight

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of influence
Noun
The design features Mediterranean influences — stone, tall archways, gold metallic mesh draped from the ceiling —and a 33-foot bar area. —Connie Ogle july 14, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025 Sports betting operators have no influence over newsroom coverage. —Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Verb
While speaking to Entertainment Tonight on the red carpet at the Los Angeles premiere of Smurfs on Sunday (July 13), the superstar opened up about how her dad, Ronald Fenty — who died at the age of 70 in May — influenced her own parenting style. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 14 July 2025 Speaking with Vogue India in December 2022, Aryan opened up about his career choice and how his dad and mom influenced him. —Katie Mannion, People.com, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for influence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
  1. sway
  2. effect
  3. affect
  4. leverage
  5. impact
  6. impress
  7. authority
Noun
  • Corn growers, primarily based in the U.S. Midwest, have long held significant sway in Washington policymaking.
    — Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
  • While advocates have said the change boosts religious organizations' First Amendment rights, others are skeptical about churches having more sway in politics and argue the new rule violates the First Amendment by favoring religious organizations over their secular counterparts.
    — BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Definition of sway
Noun
  • There are currently no weather advisories in effect.
    — Sofia Joseph, jsonline.com, 19 July 2025
  • Closures went into effect for select waterways on Sunday, July 12 and, as of July 18, remained in effect until further notice, Linda Veress, a spokesperson for the NPS, told USA TODAY.
    — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 19 July 2025
Definition of effect
Verb
  • Is There Any Correlation With Peer Earnings? Occasionally, the performance of peers can affect the stock reaction following earnings.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Helps Protect from Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer's disease is a brain disease that affects memory and thinking.
    — Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025
Definition of affect
Noun
  • Seems like any time an MLB owner seeks leverage in negotiations with a current city, Nashville gets mentioned as a prospective home.
    — Gentry Estes, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
  • This diversification gives India leverage, both at the negotiating table and in navigating global economic shocks.
    — Mavis Mook, CNBC, 25 July 2025
Definition of leverage
Noun
  • Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell misses this point with his fussing about the possible impact of tariffs on prices.
    — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The song had such an impact that the term ‘stan’ was officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 15 July 2025
Definition of impact
Verb
  • Among the possibilities for the Heat’s final two-way contract spot is rewarding one of its unsigned summer league standouts or turning to a player who impressed for another summer league team.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 21 July 2025
  • Even with its old-school benefits, I was impressed by the Chromatic's ability to still feel modern.
    — DeVonne Goode, Parents, 19 July 2025
Definition of impress
Noun
  • Traditional acquisitions would face months of review, public disclosure, and potential blocking by antitrust authorities.
    — Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Judge Sean Jordan of the US District Court of Texas’ Eastern District found that the rule exceeded the bureau’s authority under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, agreeing with the arguments of two industry associations.
    — Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
Definition of authority

Phrases Containing influence

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inflows
influence
influenced
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Cite this Entry

“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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