as in influence
the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly
lacking much of the leverage it once had, the union is now being forced to make some concessions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to use
to take unfair advantage of
a reality show contestant who's trying to leverage her 15 minutes of fame
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of leverage
Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
And Hamas saw holding the Israeli hostages as leverage, and key to getting Palestinian prisoners released.
—Shibley Telhami, Time, 13 Oct. 2025
Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 8 Oct. 2025
Spanberger, 46, who has consistently held a 10-point lead over Earle-Sears, 61, in recent surveys, is leveraging the government shutdown to intensify criticism against her opponent.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leverage
Noun
With layoffs prevalent in tech, employers have more leverage to mandate in-office work, Uzzaman said.
—Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
And Hamas saw holding the Israeli hostages as leverage, and key to getting Palestinian prisoners released.
—Shibley Telhami, Time, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
No other guerrilla organization in the post-Cuban Revolution era leveraged that combination of domestic and international support so effectively.
—Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 8 Oct. 2025
Spanberger, 46, who has consistently held a 10-point lead over Earle-Sears, 61, in recent surveys, is leveraging the government shutdown to intensify criticism against her opponent.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leverage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leverage
Noun
-
China wields disproportionate influence over downstream industries with its dominance of the complex separation and refining capacity.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Not the first time There is also concern over the extent of influence the Trust seeks to exert over Tata Sons’ capital allocation decisions, according to Dalal.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The team used human stem cells to create three-dimensional, embryo-like structures that replicate early human development, including the formation of blood stem cells.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Oct. 2025
-
This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.—
Data Skrive,
New York Times,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Generally, chambers of commerce can have some sway in local politics.—
Ricardo Torres,
jsonline.com,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Of course, the project also speaks to the vast global sway of anime and manga — and to the broader industry shift toward developing and producing such content closer to home.—
Ben Croll,
Variety,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
This was something that Inter exploited particularly well in that thrilling Champions League semi-final, as rampaging wing-back Denzel Dumfries helped himself to two goals and three assists across both legs, the target of 14 long passes out to his flank.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
8 Oct. 2025
-
This kind of fraud, resembling that experienced by Anthony, exploits a person’s emotions, inciting fear and anxiety, by impersonating a grandchild or other family member in distress.—
Madhusree Mukerjee,
Scientific American,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Because there’s no route concept here, no trying to manipulate a defense with a quarterback’s eyes, or with misdirection, or by flooding a zone.—
David Aldridge,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
-
There’s been no improvement in their real economy despite a stock market that seems manipulated higher, a la 2016.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
General view of the Google headquarters in King’s Cross as the tech giant faces a 5 billion pound lawsuit in the UK for allegedly abusing its online search dominance.—
April Roach,Tasmin Lockwood,
CNBC,
10 Oct. 2025
-
After the split, LaPaglia claimed she was emotionally abused by her ex during an episode of the BFFs Podcast.—
Stephanie Wenger,
PEOPLE,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Leverage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leverage. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share