prestige

influence, authority, prestige, weight, credit mean power exerted over the minds or behavior of others. influence may apply to a force exercised and received consciously or unconsciously.

• • used her influence to get the bill passed

authority implies the power of winning devotion or allegiance or of compelling acceptance and belief.

• • his opinions lacked authority

prestige implies the ascendancy given by conspicuous excellence or reputation for superiority.

• • the prestige of the newspaper

weight implies measurable or decisive influence in determining acts or choices.

• • their wishes obviously carried much weight

credit suggests influence that arises from the confidence of others.

• • his credit with the press