sphere of influence
noun phrase
: a territorial area within which the political influence or the interests of one nation are held to be more or less paramount
Examples of sphere of influence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Monroe Doctrine is the belief that the Western Hemisphere falls within the United States' exclusive sphere of influence.
—
Eyder Peralta, NPR, 5 Jan. 2026
Trump’s pursuit of an illusory sphere of influence is unlikely to bring us peace or prosperity—any more than the invasion of Ukraine brought peace and prosperity to Russians—and this might become clear sooner than anyone expects.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026
In the era of imperialism in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the great powers divided the globe into spheres of influence.
—Peter Kornbluh, Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026
The 1823 statement warned European powers to respect the US sphere of influence in the West.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sphere of influence
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.
Eyder Peralta, NPR, 5 Jan. 2026
Trump’s pursuit of an illusory sphere of influence is unlikely to bring us peace or prosperity—any more than the invasion of Ukraine brought peace and prosperity to Russians—and this might become clear sooner than anyone expects.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026
In the era of imperialism in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the great powers divided the globe into spheres of influence.
—Peter Kornbluh, Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026
The 1823 statement warned European powers to respect the US sphere of influence in the West.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sphere of influence
Cite this Entry
“Sphere of influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sphere%20of%20influence. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share