1
as in authoritative
having power over the minds or behavior of others
in light of the effect that they have had, religious leaders such as Jesus and Muḥammad must be regarded as among the most influential people ever
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in powerful
having great power or influence
a particularly influential politician got the team a new ballpark
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of influential
The film chronicles the life and career of Shawn Michaels, one of WWE’s most influential performers, tracing his rise, personal struggles and eventual comeback.
—
Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026
This tale follows three women — influential Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd), and half sisters Agnes and Daisy — as the ruling theocratic regime crumbles.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
Apple began in a California garage and grew into one of today's most influential companies.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Apr. 2026
The most recognizable and influential names and faces of the past few years are gone.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for influential
Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026
This tale follows three women — influential Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd), and half sisters Agnes and Daisy — as the ruling theocratic regime crumbles.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
Apple began in a California garage and grew into one of today's most influential companies.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Apr. 2026
The most recognizable and influential names and faces of the past few years are gone.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for influential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influential
Adjective
-
These articles add depth to a brand’s digital footprint and act as authoritative signals when AI tools evaluate credibility.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Michigan soon may have a more authoritative accounting.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Amid a drumbeat of disclosures that begin to exact consequences for some powerful people — particularly Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Britain's former Prince Andrew — Congress passed legislation to force the Justice Department to disclose its investigative files on Epstein.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The two women’s powerful, mysterious bond is sketched in sharp yet subtle dramatic strokes that are all the more thrilling for their breathless rapidity.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Another important note to make is that Lupaia is closed during the winter season for improvements to the rooms, garden, public area, and overall guest experience since the weather is too unpredictable to welcome guests during that time anyway.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Nonresidents have such an important role to play in the management of wildlife in Wyoming, and obviously nonresident [hunting and fishing] licenses cost a lot more than resident ones do.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Leon was seeking gender reassignment surgery, which come to play a significant role in the climax of the hostage crisis precipitated by his partner.—
Chris Jones,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Leon is seeking gender confirmation surgery and his needs come to play a significant role in the climax of the hostage crisis precipitated by his partner.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
But the Celtics still entered halftime with a big 80-57 advantage in large part because of its dominant first period.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
-
While not a quality start, Cameron continued a string of dominant pitching performances from the starting rotation.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The legislation has stalled amid strong pushback from critics.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Kodai Senga got the ball for the Mets and turned in a strong performance in his season debut.—
James O'Connell,
New York Daily News,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Influential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influential. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
