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
Alessandra Schade, Vogue, 7 June 2025
While Rawhide wrapped more than half a century ago, its influence remains visible in modern Westerns and American storytelling.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 7 June 2025
Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2025
With a visual style influenced by European fantasy and shonen anime, the series promises high-stakes action and emotional resonance as its heroes confront an ancient evil.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Noun
Indeed, Eugenio, whose large-scale figurative paintings have been exhibited across Europe, Latin America, and the US, exerts a fatherly influence across the campo.
—Alessandra Schade, Vogue, 7 June 2025
While Rawhide wrapped more than half a century ago, its influence remains visible in modern Westerns and American storytelling.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 7 June 2025
Verb
Here’s how to choose the right fix for your lawn's bare spots.
Consider Your Timeline
Aesthetics, foot traffic, and outdoor events and activities all influence your timeline for repairing a bare spot in your lawn.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2025
With a visual style influenced by European fantasy and shonen anime, the series promises high-stakes action and emotional resonance as its heroes confront an ancient evil.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
-
Koo Min Gyo, a professor at Seoul National University’s Graduate School of Public Administration, expects Mr. Lee to use his party’s sway over the different branches of government to extend his power, while diminishing and stifling his critics.—
Ann Scott Tyson,
Christian Science Monitor,
4 June 2025
-
Yet all along, the defense establishment plan competed with a different vision promoted by radical right-wing parties that hold sway in the government.—
Assaf Orion,
Foreign Affairs,
3 June 2025
Noun
-
The advisory is in effect until 11 p.m. Ways to stay safe during a flood according to the NWS For either residents or campers of flood-prone, low-lying areas, take immediate action and seek higher ground.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 June 2025
-
Future studies with more participants—measuring the long-term effects of these diets—are needed to determine who benefits the most from each one.—
Simon Spichak,
Health,
14 June 2025
Verb
-
And how does looking for love affect someone’s idea of intimacy when it’s reduced to a transaction?—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
12 June 2025
-
This echoes across multiple audiovisual entertainment industries and affects workers in animation, music, VFX and the gaming industry.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
12 June 2025
Noun
-
The exception is generational players, like Steph Curry and LeBron James, who have the leverage for long-term deals.—
Lillian Rizzo,
CNBC,
5 June 2025
-
Photo-illustration by Newsweek/Getty Welcome to the Age of Dumb Kissinger, where Washington is undermining its leverage, weakening alliances, and emboldening adversaries.—
Matt Robison,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
Noun
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Those creators and organizations who seize this moment will not only succeed in the technological arena but also create a sustainable socio-economic impact.—
FNU Anupama,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
Environmental impacts According to Suiter, Asian needle ants wreak havoc in native environments.—
Stephen Smith,
CBS News,
10 June 2025
Verb
-
Halfway through Trump’s first year in office, his aides sought to impress on him the value of the United States’ global position.—
Daniel Immerwahr,
New Yorker,
16 June 2025
-
The ballpark, which completed $45 million in renovations in 2024, still impressed DeMartini a few days into his tenure.—
Charlotte Varnes,
New York Times,
16 June 2025
Noun
-
Handling Mistakes Traditional leaders see mistakes as a threat to authority.—
William Arruda,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
Six people were killed after a small plane crashed into the ocean off San Diego on Sunday, authorities said.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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