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
Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
They cannot be taken from us by bad influences online.
—Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
Despite those factors weighing in favor of broadcast stations, Carr can influence the decisions of major media companies with threats alone.
—ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Noun
Futurewei’s influence extends beyond the strictly political.
—Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
They cannot be taken from us by bad influences online.
—Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
Acosta then took a job with the prestigious law firm Kirkland and Ellis in Washington and became a member of the Federalist Society, a conservative organization that has influenced the appointment of judges, including members of the Supreme Court.
—Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
Despite those factors weighing in favor of broadcast stations, Carr can influence the decisions of major media companies with threats alone.
—ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
-
Traditionally, conservative parties held sway in Bangkok and Thailand’s south, while Thaksin’s heartland was the rural though populous rice-growing northeast.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Getting that crowd of Hollywood actors, supermodels, fashion designers and athletes in the same room for a group photo was a feat of complex calendar logistics requiring diplomacy and considerable industry sway.—
Fiona Sinclair Scott,
CNN Money,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
But what was the effect of that?—
Jay Adkisson,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
This innovative installation may hold one of the keys to accelerating a transition away from fossil fuels that scientists say is necessary if the world is to avoid the worst effects of climate change.—
Jeff Young,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Beyond investment strategy, how does this lack of organization affect someone’s ability to plan for retirement?—
Larry Light,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Hot temperatures also affected water quality in nearly every one of the world’s 75 main lakes, the report found.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Another example is msg Global Solutions AG, whose Greenwashing Detector solution leverages generative AI to validate reports and detect potential greenwashing.—
Sophia Mendelsohn,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
The global energy transition is forging ahead, fracturing old trade alliances and generating new forms of geopolitical leverage that all companies need to be more attuned to, JPMorgan believes.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Broncos-Chargers game will have a big impact on the AFC West race.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Sep. 2025
-
Any thought of him being an impact middle-of-the-order bat looks, at best, misguided.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
21 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Paired with returning pro Mark Ballas, Leavitt impressed the judges with her poise and performance.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
After opening eyes in 7-on-7 competition over the summer, the senior has impressed Gambrell with his leadership.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Bobbitt declined to comment Friday on the water issue, saying his firm preferred to let the joint authority handle any permit discussions.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
20 Sep. 2025
-
The amendment should establish protocols for immediate temporary transfer of critical national security authorities while broader capacity questions are resolved.—
Lynn Schmidt,
Twin Cities,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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