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
Relevance
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
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of influence
Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
It was made possible by a strategic partnership with local elites, especially the armed forces, who already held considerable political influence in the Andean countries.
—Evandro Cruz Silva, The Dial, 10 Feb. 2026
Bart Jansen, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
Joining Heatwave influenced Jordan’s life in other ways as well.
—Jim Dudlicek, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for influence
Noun
Of course, she wasn’t even born when Jordan was winning championships and MVP honors for the Chicago Bulls, but Jordan’s influence was passed down by her mother, Jennifer Houze.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
It was made possible by a strategic partnership with local elites, especially the armed forces, who already held considerable political influence in the Andean countries.
—Evandro Cruz Silva, The Dial, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
Exceptions were made to avoid identifying women who accused Epstein of abuse or to influence a pending criminal investigation.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
Joining Heatwave influenced Jordan’s life in other ways as well.
—Jim Dudlicek, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for influence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
-
The only recognizable Mustard tic is the ubiquitous finger snaps, which mostly add sway.—
Stephen Kearse,
Pitchfork,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Banks and supermarkets sit on corners where drug dealers held sway.—
Michael Powell,
The Atlantic,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
With the effects of the federal cuts expected to be felt across the state, other California counties have already started to look to consumers to replenish government coffers.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The high amount of vitamin C in noni juice also plays a vital role in its effect in boosting the immune system.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
When the estrogen hormone declines during perimenopause, the body’s insulin sensitivity decreases, too, which affects overall metabolism.—
Alexa Mikhail,
Flow Space,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The manipulations also affected how much sadness and anger participants reported feeling while scrolling.—
Simon Makin,
Scientific American,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Maxwell could also hope to use her potential testimony before Congress as leverage going forward.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Panarin has a no-move clause, and apparently was quite willing to use it as leverage to control his destination.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
El Paso is home to one of the largest cargo facilities near the border, so these restrictions could have a significant impact on shipments as well.—
Ayesha Ali,
ABC News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Retail bankruptcies have had a major impact on malls and their landlords who must seek out new tenants to fill sites being vacated, and/or devise redevelopment plans.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Sealy impressed with three blocks and bolstered what would have been a six-player rotation -- without Knox and Wagner -- to seven.—
Matt Byrne,
Arkansas Online,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Even those who have been Crosby’s teammates for a matter of days are impressed by the team-first philosophy that, by all accounts, is completely authentic and sincere.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Five days later, she was found alive – and authorities arrested a local suspect who was familiar with the family and her grandson’s construction company, abducting her to get $3 million ransom.—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Meanwhile, authorities have yet to restore full access to the social media platform X, which Maduro blocked after its billionaire owner, Elon Musk, accused him of stealing the 2024 vote.—
EGINA GARCIA CANO,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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