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 Lea,
Space.com,
29 June 2026
Last week Abigail Hoagberg, Trendalytics‘ head of trend and editorial strategy, presented the trend intelligence platform’s June 2026 trend report, naming the styles, fits and influences shaping fashion, accessory and beauty trends.
—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
29 June 2026
Dan Bernstein,
Sportico.com,
30 June 2026
That appears to be influencing how international money transfer companies compete.
—
Felysha Walker,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for influence
Noun
The greater the mass of the object, the more extreme the curvature and thus the greater the gravitational influence of that object.
—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
29 June 2026
Last week Abigail Hoagberg, Trendalytics‘ head of trend and editorial strategy, presented the trend intelligence platform’s June 2026 trend report, naming the styles, fits and influences shaping fashion, accessory and beauty trends.
—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
29 June 2026
Verb
The gaming giants have given more than $40 million in the past year to a political action committee called Win for America, which then disperses the cash to affiliated, hyper-partisan super PACs that try to influence state races around the country.
—
Dan Bernstein,
Sportico.com,
30 June 2026
That appears to be influencing how international money transfer companies compete.
—
Felysha Walker,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for influence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
-
In a real world sense of course that can’t possibly be true, but the world view of the Puritan religious leaders who founded the Connecticut River Colony in the 1630s still held sway in the late 18th century.
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Roberta Smith, the co-chief art critic of the New York Times, and Jerry Saltz, the art critic of New York magazine, are writers of sway, elegance, legend.
Noun
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Dodgers two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani waddled through the clubhouse after the Dodgers’ 4-3 comeback victory against the Padres on Friday night, the bulging ice wraps around his left knee and right arm creating a penguin-like effect to his gait.
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The airbrush effect is thanks to a blend of polymers that reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines.
Verb
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Asthma affects 8% of Americans, and is even the cause of 9 to 11 deaths each day, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
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Visibility lessened as the Cardinals tacked on a third-inning insurance run and, by the sixth inning, clearly began to affect play.
Noun
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The recent surge in commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could give the US additional leverage in talks with Iran, analysts said.
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Now in terms of personal goals, pad leverage, effort, block release and affecting the quarterback.
Noun
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In another recent study on the impact of AI on jobs, the California AI-unemployment tracker examined the state across industries, education levels and region and highlighted some worrying trends.
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Alexandra Koch is a Fox News Digital Editor, with a focus on high-impact events that shape national conversation.
Verb
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The group also impresses with unique choreography, incorporating Pilates balls into their routine.
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Pimiento cheese is a Southern classic, and this dip adds a couple twists to impress at any gathering.
Noun
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Deputies served the warrant on Adrian Cruz and collected evidence that led to Cruz’s arrest on felony animal cruelty charges, authorities said.
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In an early instance of what authorities believe to have been an extortion attempt, federal prosecutors charged a California man with sending a fake ransom note via text message to Savannah Guthrie's family.
Cite this Entry
“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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