influential

1 of 2

adjective

in·​flu·​en·​tial ˌin-(ˌ)flü-ˈen(t)-shəl How to pronounce influential (audio)
Synonyms of influentialnext
: exerting or possessing influence
influentially
ˌin-(ˌ)flü-ˈen(t)-sh(ə-)lē How to pronounce influential (audio)
adverb

influential

2 of 2

noun

: one who has great influence

Synonyms of influential

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of influential in a Sentence

Adjective His theories have become more influential in recent years. My parents have been the most influential people in my life.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
With the rise of modern conservatism in the ’70s and ’80s, Main said influential figures on the right began to approach politics as war. — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 30 July 2026 In just a few years, TikTok Shop went from an experimental social commerce platform to one of beauty’s most influential discovery engines and a fast-growing sales channel. — Clara Ludmir, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Noun
That’s not to say other judges won’t find the ruling influential, but it’s already been shown that a ruling for an athlete on eligibility doesn’t guarantee a different athlete’s success in another state. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 June 2026 In 1938 the area was once again declared a Game Reserve, with British conservationist Norman Carr influential in its establishment. — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 22 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for influential

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1570, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of influential was in 1570

Rhymes for influential

See All Rhymes for influential

Browse Nearby Words

influent
influential
influenza
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Cite this Entry

“Influential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/influential. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

influential

adjective
in·​flu·​en·​tial
ˌin-(ˌ)flü-ˈen-chəl
: having influence
influentially
-ˈench-(ə-)lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on influential

Nglish: Translation of influential for Spanish Speakers

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