: having the power to cause changes : having influence
She became an (enormously/extremely) influential critic/writer.
a highly/very influential book
His theories have become more influential in recent years.
My parents have been the most influential people in my life.
—sometimes + inShe has been influential in establishing programs to help the poor.
Cite this Entry
“Influential.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/influential. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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