sphere of influence

noun phrase

: a territorial area within which the political influence or the interests of one nation are held to be more or less paramount

Examples of sphere of influence in a Sentence

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.
This would feed into China’s anti-access/area-denial strategy within its sphere of influence. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 July 2026 That story should connect their sphere of influence to the outcomes achieved. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 Although China was never fully colonized, parts of the region came under foreign spheres of influence, especially from the British Empire, which directed the profitable trade of opium from India to China during the 19th century. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 2026 Its leaders, who include the televangelists Lance Wallnau and Paula White, urge believers to take control of seven spheres of influence in the United States—education, entertainment, media, religion, family, business, and government. — Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sphere of influence

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sphere of influence was in 1885

Browse Nearby Words

sphereless
sphere of influence
spheric
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sphere of influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sphere%20of%20influence. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sphere of influence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sphere of influence

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