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
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 5 Jan. 2026
Hormonal influences are also important, says Reese, particularly because autoimmune diseases disproportionately affect women and often emerge during reproductive years or following major hormonal shifts such as pregnancy.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026
Derla enjoys the chance to provide elevated breakfast and brunch at Fountain Restaurant as well as the bold Nikkei flavors at AJI Bar & Robata, with its Japanese-Peruvian influences.
—Laura Ness, Mercury News, 4 Jan. 2026
This assertion prompts thinking about how geography and topography influences development of economies over time and why apparently similar countries in climate and resources can have quite different economic outcomes.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 4 Jan. 2026
Kary, who cites Sonny Clark and Horace Silver as influences, likes to vary his sets with pop standards, original compositions and some Bebop.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 Jan. 2026
None of us gets to choose our external influences; we are born into them.
—Nicolas Johnson-Smith, Baltimore Sun, 2 Jan. 2026
While wildfires are a natural and necessary part of Earth's cycle, climate change and other more direct human influences have increased their likelihood, research shows.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 31 Dec. 2025
Its serene en suite includes a freestanding tub, steam showers, and floating cabinetry, while the minimalist walk-in closet reflects Italian design influences via rich wood panels and modular components.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 31 Dec. 2025
Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 6 Nov. 2025
The Gut Produces Mood-Boosting Chemicals One of the most direct ways the gut influences the brain is through chemical messengers that affect mood and cognition.
—Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
Oxidation, or exposure to oxygen after harvesting, influences a tea’s flavor, color, and nutrients.
—Caitlin Beale, Health, 4 Nov. 2025
This is due to the noise level on an airplane, which influences a human's perception of taste.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2025
Although adjustable-rate mortgages are pegged to the prime rate, the 10-year Treasury influences the longer-term outlook.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2025
His team, including Igal Szleifer, Luay Almassalha, and Kyle MacQuarrie, decoded how DNA’s shape, not just its sequence, influences gene behavior.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2025
The first step is understanding what influences your risk for ovarian cancer.
—Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 27 Oct. 2025
The Fed’s key interest rate, which influences borrowing costs more broadly, functions through demand, not supply.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
While 2025 denim was nearly a carbon copy of 2024—loose fits, Western influences, denim coordinates and minimal distressing—2026 could see an injection of newness.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 5 Jan. 2026
Hormonal influences are also important, says Reese, particularly because autoimmune diseases disproportionately affect women and often emerge during reproductive years or following major hormonal shifts such as pregnancy.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026
Derla enjoys the chance to provide elevated breakfast and brunch at Fountain Restaurant as well as the bold Nikkei flavors at AJI Bar & Robata, with its Japanese-Peruvian influences.
—Laura Ness, Mercury News, 4 Jan. 2026
This assertion prompts thinking about how geography and topography influences development of economies over time and why apparently similar countries in climate and resources can have quite different economic outcomes.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 4 Jan. 2026
Kary, who cites Sonny Clark and Horace Silver as influences, likes to vary his sets with pop standards, original compositions and some Bebop.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 Jan. 2026
None of us gets to choose our external influences; we are born into them.
—Nicolas Johnson-Smith, Baltimore Sun, 2 Jan. 2026
While wildfires are a natural and necessary part of Earth's cycle, climate change and other more direct human influences have increased their likelihood, research shows.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 31 Dec. 2025
Its serene en suite includes a freestanding tub, steam showers, and floating cabinetry, while the minimalist walk-in closet reflects Italian design influences via rich wood panels and modular components.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 31 Dec. 2025
Verb
Career officials also alleged ideological hiring within key divisions, including civil rights, cementing a shift that critics say still influences decision-making today.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 6 Nov. 2025
The Gut Produces Mood-Boosting Chemicals One of the most direct ways the gut influences the brain is through chemical messengers that affect mood and cognition.
—Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
Oxidation, or exposure to oxygen after harvesting, influences a tea’s flavor, color, and nutrients.
—Caitlin Beale, Health, 4 Nov. 2025
This is due to the noise level on an airplane, which influences a human's perception of taste.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2025
Although adjustable-rate mortgages are pegged to the prime rate, the 10-year Treasury influences the longer-term outlook.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2025
His team, including Igal Szleifer, Luay Almassalha, and Kyle MacQuarrie, decoded how DNA’s shape, not just its sequence, influences gene behavior.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2025
The first step is understanding what influences your risk for ovarian cancer.
—Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 27 Oct. 2025
The Fed’s key interest rate, which influences borrowing costs more broadly, functions through demand, not supply.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influences
Noun
-
Both of these effects can make reflux worse.—
Sarah Hudgens,
Health,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Fast casual has become ‘too expensive’ Cava, which serves customizable Mediterranean-style bowls, is one chain that’s feeling the effects.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect (NTD) that affects the spine and is usually identified at birth.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
-
One such affliction is Tay-Sachs, a disease that disproportionately affects people of Ashkenazi descent and destroys brain and spinal nerve cells.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Prime leverages free shipping and video streaming, along with numerous other perks, to keep users paying every month.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Another example is msg Global Solutions AG, whose Greenwashing Detector solution leverages generative AI to validate reports and detect potential greenwashing.—
Sophia Mendelsohn,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
According to a media release from DHS regarding the ongoing impacts to the agency from the shutdown, funds administered to community partners through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Social Services Block Grant and Community Service Block Grant programs have been suspended.—
Daniel McFadin,
Arkansas Online,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The temporary lapse in SNAP benefits has already had dire impacts on families whose electronic benefits cards were due to be reloaded the first week of November.—
Aria Bendix,
NBC news,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Set against São Rafael Beach near Albufeira, this reimagined 149-room property impresses with Andrade’s signature style, one that marries whimsy with natural textures.—
Chadner Navarro,
Vogue,
30 Oct. 2025
-
None of these videos impresses.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The next day, authorities announced the student's real name is Anthony Michael Lennon and he'd been captured after more than a decade on the run.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
7 Nov. 2025
-
His car was later found abandoned, and authorities began searching the area.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Lyon’s magnetism touches the entire cast, but her bits with both Killam’s Boone and Chenoweth’s Tammy really leap off the screen.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
-
And none of that touches the benefits that could accrue to other people outfitted with BCI chips, who could then communicate and interact with AI systems.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Roser also recommends wearing these vests for moves where having weights in your hands is challenging, such as side lunges, side squats, and sumo squats.—
Jessie Quinn,
Flow Space,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Honda will position batteries on the platform around the center of vehicles instead of at the rear, and adjust load-bearing for different vehicle weights using fewer unique parts.—
Daniel Leussink,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Influences.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influences. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
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