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

Mass deportations were essential to the Republicans’ 2024 messaging, with immigration being one of the most influential issues that caused the Senate and White House to flip to the GOP last cycle. —Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 14 Mar. 2026

His work earned him the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1983 – despite having no formal training – and influential local people commissioned their houses built in the same style as his home. —Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026

Noun

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

On the right, Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist influential in MAGA circles, captured the mood from the base. —Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1570, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1831, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for influential

• consequential
• deferential
• evidential
• existential
• exponential
• nonessential
• penitential
• precedential
• preferential
• presidential
• providential
• referential

Kids Definition

influential

adjective

in·​flu·​en·​tial

ˌin-(ˌ)flü-ˈen-chəl

: having influence

influentially

-ˈench-(ə-)lē

adverb