1
as in sways
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in effects
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 affects
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 influences
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026
That means influences of sugar-producing countries.
—Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
The food is forward-looking and clever, threading global influences and bright flavors with impressive dexterity.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Your life story, your influences, that's unique.
—Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 11 Apr. 2026
May 21 – June 20 Fresh influences could be arriving from your wider circles.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026
And beyond that, our favorite spring cookbooks can guide you through making your own butter, the multitude of culinary influences that weave through the Caribbean and Indigenous American traditions that emphasize connection with the land.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
The Aramco magazine has covered Albanian folk music, Muslim influences on American blues, Arabic translations of superhero comics, and the migration of camels.
—Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 9 Apr. 2026
Some experts point to economic factors, others say cultural influences, and better access to education and contraception for women are driving the change.
—Brian Mann, NPR, 9 Apr. 2026
Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2026
This one narrow passage influences fuel prices, insurance costs, shipping schedules, inflation expectations, and diplomatic posture across multiple continents.
—Tenzin Seldon, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
In fact, more than 80 percent of global consumers say sustainability influences their purchasing decisions, with many willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly products.
—Andre Claudio, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 2026
Also, researchers and policymakers cannot fully understand how retaliation influences parents’ schooling decisions if parents are not included in this discussion.
—Charles Bell, The Conversation, 20 Apr. 2026
The research team set out to determine whether diet directly influences this fat buildup.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
El Niño and La Niña are opposite ends of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation -- a climate phenomenon based on water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean that influences temperatures and precipitation around the globe, according to the NOAA.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2026
The Fed’s short-term rate influences other borrowing costs in the economy, including for mortgages, auto loans, and business borrowing.
—ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
This intricate system influences far more than movement alone—impacting everything from circulation and digestion to lymphatic flow and hormone balance.
—Jennifer Shanker, Flow Space, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
The architecture draws on classic English influences, with a slate roof and detailed millwork, paired with more modern additions like smart home systems and an elevator.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026
That means influences of sugar-producing countries.
—Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
The food is forward-looking and clever, threading global influences and bright flavors with impressive dexterity.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Your life story, your influences, that's unique.
—Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 11 Apr. 2026
May 21 – June 20 Fresh influences could be arriving from your wider circles.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026
And beyond that, our favorite spring cookbooks can guide you through making your own butter, the multitude of culinary influences that weave through the Caribbean and Indigenous American traditions that emphasize connection with the land.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
The Aramco magazine has covered Albanian folk music, Muslim influences on American blues, Arabic translations of superhero comics, and the migration of camels.
—Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 9 Apr. 2026
Some experts point to economic factors, others say cultural influences, and better access to education and contraception for women are driving the change.
—Brian Mann, NPR, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
The team suggests that photochemistry and photophysics — chemistry and physics driven by light emissions — likely influences how those environments are shaped, but understanding just how will require more study.
—Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2026
This one narrow passage influences fuel prices, insurance costs, shipping schedules, inflation expectations, and diplomatic posture across multiple continents.
—Tenzin Seldon, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
In fact, more than 80 percent of global consumers say sustainability influences their purchasing decisions, with many willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly products.
—Andre Claudio, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 2026
Also, researchers and policymakers cannot fully understand how retaliation influences parents’ schooling decisions if parents are not included in this discussion.
—Charles Bell, The Conversation, 20 Apr. 2026
The research team set out to determine whether diet directly influences this fat buildup.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
El Niño and La Niña are opposite ends of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation -- a climate phenomenon based on water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean that influences temperatures and precipitation around the globe, according to the NOAA.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2026
The Fed’s short-term rate influences other borrowing costs in the economy, including for mortgages, auto loans, and business borrowing.
—ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
This intricate system influences far more than movement alone—impacting everything from circulation and digestion to lymphatic flow and hormone balance.
—Jennifer Shanker, Flow Space, 15 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influences
Noun
-
No immediate impact likely for world oil markets The UAE’s withdrawal from OPEC won’t necessarily have any immediate effects in markets.—
Jon Gambrell,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
These spillover effects are deepening an arc of instability stretching from Europe to the Middle East, from Africa to Asia.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Punishment that, in this case, ultimately affects children.—
Ciera Bates-Chamberlain,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Lighting Technology The type of light bulb in use dramatically affects whether turning off lights is necessary.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Beyond extending flight time, the shift to hydrogen leverages the laws of physics to improve drone reliability.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Mar. 2026
-
OneTeam Partners negotiates media deals and leverages players’ name, image and licensing rights.—
David Carrillo Peñaloza,
New York Times,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Also, women who are pregnant and their fetuses, children, older adults and people living with chronic conditions, especially heart and lung disease, may be physically more susceptible to the health impacts of air pollution than other adults, according to the American Lung Association.—
Natassia Paloma,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
In recent years, the helicopters have drawn more and more complaints about high operating costs and the potential health impacts from noise pollution.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
That’s what impresses Grayslake North senior shortstop/third baseman Jane Pritchard.—
Bobby Narang,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Want to make a weeknight meal that really impresses?—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Matthew Harris, of Oakland, allegedly confessed in full to the Wells Fargo bank robbery, expressing remorse and blaming his addiction to fentanyl, authorities said.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
25 Apr. 2026
-
He was arrested a week after Caballero’s body was found, authorities said, and confessed to the three murders.—
Dennis Romero,
NBC news,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Legal work that touches immigration status or physical injury can bring fear to the surface again and again.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Kansas City-area Representatives Sam Graves, who represents a swath of northern Missouri, and Mark Alford, whose district touches the metro and central Missouri, similarly both made statements about the attack.—
Jack Harvel
April 27,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Wellness The gym, which is a little over 1,200 square feet, is located on the top floor, almost touching the Madrid sky, and includes stationary bikes, treadmills, stair climbers, rowing machines, as well as strength equipment, weights, saunas, and changing rooms.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Just to get my heartbeat (up) and get on the treadmill, do a bit of running and weights.—
Kim Willis,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Influences.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influences. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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