influential

1 of 2

adjective

in·​flu·​en·​tial ˌin-(ˌ)flü-ˈen(t)-shəl 

: exerting or possessing influence

influentially

ˌin-(ˌ)flü-ˈen(t)-sh(ə-)lē 

adverb

influential

2 of 2

noun

: one who has great influence

Synonyms of influential

Adjective

• authoritative
• important
• dominant

Examples of influential in a Sentence

Adjective

His theories have become more influential in recent years.

My parents have been the most influential people in my life.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Marie Antoinette was bold, beautiful, irreverent and hugely influential, and to revisit it now through Eleanor Coppola’s eyes, as both a filmmaker and a mother, is incredibly moving. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 8 July 2026

Project 2029 — a nod to Project 2025, the influential policy manual from the conservative Heritage Foundation — seeks to influence Democrats’ platforms. — Simone Foxman, Fortune, 8 July 2026

Noun

That’s not to say other judges won’t find the ruling influential, but it’s already been shown that a ruling for an athlete on eligibility doesn’t guarantee a different athlete’s success in another state. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 June 2026

In 1938 the area was once again declared a Game Reserve, with British conservationist Norman Carr influential in its establishment. — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 22 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1570, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1831, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for influential

• credential
• prudential
• sequential
• tangential
• torrential
• circumferential
• inconsequential
• consequential
• deferential
• existential
• exponential
• nonessential

Kids Definition

influential

adjective

in·​flu·​en·​tial

ˌin-(ˌ)flü-ˈen-chəl

: having influence

influentially

-ˈench-(ə-)lē

adverb