1
as in authoritative
having power over the minds or behavior of others
in light of the effect that they have had, religious leaders such as Jesus and Muḥammad must be regarded as among the most influential people ever
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in powerful
having great power or influence
a particularly influential politician got the team a new ballpark
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of influential
Many of her donations came from influential Indianapolis Democrats such as 2027 mayoral candidate Vop Osili and other city-county councilors.
—
Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 Mar. 2026
Additionally, even traditionally influential organizations like the California Federation of Unions have been unable to coalesce around a single Democratic candidate, instead endorsing four separate candidates and signaling the party’s fundamental fragmentation.
—Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Arriving from Random House on September 22, Steinem’s latest book explores how a curious kid from Toledo, Ohio, became one of the world’s most influential activists.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 25 Mar. 2026
Over the long term, Picture Show has been much more influential.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for influential
Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 Mar. 2026
Additionally, even traditionally influential organizations like the California Federation of Unions have been unable to coalesce around a single Democratic candidate, instead endorsing four separate candidates and signaling the party’s fundamental fragmentation.
—Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Arriving from Random House on September 22, Steinem’s latest book explores how a curious kid from Toledo, Ohio, became one of the world’s most influential activists.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 25 Mar. 2026
Over the long term, Picture Show has been much more influential.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for influential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influential
Adjective
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Francis ordered the Argentine criteria published as an official act of the Vatican and wrote a letter to the bishops declaring their interpretation authoritative.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 Mar. 2026
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With an authoritative and rich baritone voice, Orion Samuelson delivered critical information for farmers across the Midwest during a 60-year career as WGN-AM radio’s agribusiness reporter.—
Bob Goldsborough,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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By December of that year, the company—run by individuals with no evident track record in global sports management—had secured a powerful contract with the Argentine Football Association.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
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But its offense was still plenty powerful enough to send Houston back to its nearby campus.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The Shah’s Western orientation extended to culture, and a wide range of artistically important international films could be seen in Tehran, in time including those of the French New Wave.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
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Past wars have not been dictated by the operating hours of the NYSE, but in this presidential worldview, there is no more important constraint.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Leon was seeking gender reassignment surgery, which come to play a significant role in the climax of the hostage crisis precipitated by his partner.—
Chris Jones,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
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Leon is seeking gender confirmation surgery and his needs come to play a significant role in the climax of the hostage crisis precipitated by his partner.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The Heat’s defense was especially dominant at the start, limiting the Cavaliers to just 19 points in the first quarter.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
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Netflix does a lot of things exceedingly well, hence its dominant position in the marketplace, but the tech company and industry disruptor doesn’t really do tradition.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The legislation has stalled amid strong pushback from critics.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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Kodai Senga got the ball for the Mets and turned in a strong performance in his season debut.—
James O'Connell,
New York Daily News,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Influential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influential. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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