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
Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Playboi Carti’s appeal and influence are undeniable at this point, but more Ken Carsons are coming soon, too.
—Angel Diaz, Billboard, 22 Apr. 2025
India Espy-Jones, Essence, 23 Apr. 2025
The dedication to care for impoverished women and children continues to influence the culture and values of Mercy today.
—Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Noun
Chambon said the late pope led the Catholic Church with humility and simplicity and that this will be, ultimately, part of his enduring global message and influence.
—Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Playboi Carti’s appeal and influence are undeniable at this point, but more Ken Carsons are coming soon, too.
—Angel Diaz, Billboard, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
Dating back to the Silla Dynasty, the ideology that outer beauty influenced the inner self was promoted through ingredients, like mung bean powder, for cleansing and plant extracts for lotions and oils.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 23 Apr. 2025
The dedication to care for impoverished women and children continues to influence the culture and values of Mercy today.
—Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
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Venezuelans make up almost one-third of the city’s electorate and hold significant sway in local elections.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
14 Apr. 2025
-
With Turkish backing, HTS operated in northwestern Idlib Province through much of the Syrian civil war and managed to extend its sway over the territory.—
Jerome Drevon,
Foreign Affairs,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Louisiana Louisiana’s law went into effect Jan. 1 requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote, but the state hasn't issued guidance on what documentation residents need.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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That kind of knowledge production has, in effect, been automated.—
D. Graham Burnett,
New Yorker,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In court, the judge cautioned prosecutors to remind Bondi and others that public statements could affect the jury selection process.—
Joshua Rhett Miller,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
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In some cases, those products haven’t been affected yet because of existing inventory.—
Jim Wang,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Russia analysts have questioned why Russia was not subjected to any tariffs, and whether its exclusion could be part of a White House plan to try to gain leverage over Moscow in any Ukraine peace talks.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
17 Apr. 2025
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Many of the softest housing markets, where homebuyers have gained leverage, are located in Sun Belt regions of the Gulf Coast and Mountain West.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Until then, Brazil had gone 17 years without a fatal accident in regular commercial aviation—a figure that reinforces the idea that many of the safety recommendations adopted after the TAM crash had a lasting impact.—
Isadora Wandermurem,
Time,
23 Apr. 2025
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The North Star Award is, NATPE said, for leaders who have had a bar-raising impact.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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These are hourly workers, but they’re not impressed by me.—
Alice Park,
Time,
17 Apr. 2025
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Which player impressed you most with his effort this spring?—
Walter Villa,
Miami Herald,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
New York authorities identify possible Gilgo Beach victim known as 'Peaches' New York authorities on Wednesday announced the identity of a possible Gilgo Beach serial killer victim known as 'Peaches,' whose torso was found in a park in Lakeview, New York, in 1997.—
Audrey Conklin,
FOXNews.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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What does papal authority mean in a country where faith was shaped not by marble cathedrals but by praise breaks and Pentecostal fire?—
Jack Hill,
Baltimore Sun,
23 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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