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
Becca Longmire, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025
Credit scores can determine economic stability, influence longevity, and affect the safety of our neighborhoods, the strength of our communities, and even the resilience of our democracy.
—John Hope Bryant, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025
Allison Stanger, The Conversation, 6 Mar. 2025
The rest of the pot, $1.2 million, went toward examining how hormones, like testosterone, influence the brain’s control of reproductive hormones and fertility.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Noun
Thank you to everyone who was a positive influence in her life.
—Becca Longmire, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025
Credit scores can determine economic stability, influence longevity, and affect the safety of our neighborhoods, the strength of our communities, and even the resilience of our democracy.
—John Hope Bryant, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
Even with personal identifiers removed, an AI system that analyzes patterns across millions of government records could enable surprising capabilities for making predictions and influencing behavior at the population level.
—Allison Stanger, The Conversation, 6 Mar. 2025
The rest of the pot, $1.2 million, went toward examining how hormones, like testosterone, influence the brain’s control of reproductive hormones and fertility.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
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More evidence that Porsche is a rare car company in which the engineers have tremendous sway?—
Mark Ewing,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
-
If Adams’ dismissal motion were to succeed, the Justice Department would theoretically have no sway over him.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Last week alone, Trump’s 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada went into effect Tuesday after a monthlong delay.—
Kevin Stankiewicz,
CNBC,
9 Mar. 2025
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Despite the agreements, Trump’s decision on the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum from Mexico and Canada, which are scheduled to come into effect on March 12, remains in limbo.—
Fabiola Sanchez,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Due date for individuals and businesses in the entire states of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina and parts of Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia affected by severe storms and flooding from Hurricane Helene (☆) and Hurricane Milton.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
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The two countries exchange a series of tit-for-tat levies affecting hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of goods.—
TIME,
TIME,
8 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Although preoccupied with its war of choice in Ukraine, now in its fourth year, Moscow is simultaneously making a major play to expand political leverage on the continent.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
3 Mar. 2025
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Building Local Partnerships Collaborating with local players can accelerate brand recognition and credibility and leverage established local distribution channels.—
Praneeta Pujari,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Florida lawmakers face critical decisions this session on how to address the challenges posed by rising energy demands, vulnerable water resources and the impacts of extreme weather.—
Dawn Shirreffs,
Orlando Sentinel,
6 Mar. 2025
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Beyond the financial, there is a psychological impact of these programs.—
Darrick Hamilton,
Hartford Courant,
6 Mar. 2025
Verb
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If the secret aim of Train to Busan was to leave a calling card, this will certainly impress backers with bigger budgets.—
Mia Galuppo,
The Hollywood Reporter,
28 Feb. 2025
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The versatile actor impressed critics with a wide range of roles, expertly embodying a New York City detective in one film and Superman's most iconic adversary in the next.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA TODAY,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Vegas authorities were not connected to the earlier sessions, and were not required to honor any agreement that might have been made with Davis, according to interview recordings and transcripts reviewed by ABC.—
Josh Margolin,
ABC News,
6 Mar. 2025
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Some Afghans who entered the country legally have already been detained by immigration authorities.—
Joseph Wilkinson,
New York Daily News,
6 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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