influence 1 of 2

influence

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word influence distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of influence are authority, credit, prestige, and weight. While all these words 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

When can authority be used instead of influence?

While in some cases nearly identical to influence, authority implies the power of winning devotion or allegiance or of compelling acceptance and belief.

his opinions lacked authority

When might credit be a better fit than influence?

The words credit and influence can be used in similar contexts, but credit suggests influence that arises from the confidence of others.

his credit with the press

Where would prestige be a reasonable alternative to influence?

The synonyms prestige and influence are sometimes interchangeable, but prestige implies the ascendancy given by conspicuous excellence or reputation for superiority.

the prestige of the newspaper

When could weight be used to replace influence?

In some situations, the words weight and influence are roughly equivalent. However, weight implies measurable or decisive influence in determining acts or choices.

their wishes obviously carried much weight

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 influence
Noun
Concerns over Beijing’s influence in the region were reinforced on Wednesday when the Cook Islands’ Prime Minister Mark Brown announced a state visit to China next week to discuss a strategic partnership agreement. Helen Regan, CNN, 9 Feb. 2025 During his three-hour virtual interview with the Bears, Johnson discussed the delicate work-life balance with his wife, Jessica, and three children — daughters Emory, 8, and Halle, 1, and son Kennedy, 5 — and the influence his father had on his career. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
Verb
Kyle Johnson, who works in finance in New York, was influenced like many by the allure of day baseball games on WGN as a kid. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025 How might that decision influence the fashion choices of the television and movie stars in attendance? The Styles Desk, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for influence 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
  • Patrick, who serves as president of the Texas Senate, has considerable sway over policy in the state, which means his push to ban consumable THC products will likely gain at least some traction during the session.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Feb. 2025
  • The internet of the 1990s developed under the sway of an anti-corporate, non-conformist spirit.
    Tyler Cowen, Twin Cities, 19 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • While there’s some research into the connection between heart health and cocoa supplements or very dark chocolate, the effects of other chocolate types have been less studied.
    Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Morello mixed in brief passages of his own distinctive sound, but the overall effect remained tied to an older tradition.
    Steve Appleford, SPIN, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • But those affected in northern Thailand are some of the world’s most vulnerable people who rely on US aid to survive.
    Ivan Watson, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The publication reports that the email did not specify exactly how many schools and students, or programs and policies, would be affected.
    Abby Monteil, Them, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • David Robertson entered the offseason without much leverage in free agency.
    Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Until then, hang in there and enjoy the benefit of a president that truly understands the importance of America's leverage in the world while realizing the concept of peace through strength.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 6 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Cincinnati; Washington, D.C.; Baltimore; Philadelphia and New York City are among cities likely to feel the impact, according to weather.com, which forecast 6-10 inches for this Washington suburb.
    John Bacon, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Any executive action, however, would have far less impact than if Congress passed changes to the fundamental shape of the program.
    Ryan Levi, NPR, 10 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Some takeaways from week No. 2: New administration, old problems Trump and his team had impressed even some of their critics with a steady stream of executive orders in their first week.
    Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025
  • Management is slated to hold a conference call at 5 p.m. Last quarter: AMD fell after the company’s forecast failed to impress investors .
    Fred Imbert, CNBC, 2 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The bodies have been recovered and identified and authorities on Sunday remained determined to solve the mystery of what caused a small plane to lose speed and altitude over Alaska moments before a horrific crash that killed all 10 people aboard.
    John Bacon, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Simultaneously, New York Fashion Week concluded with the Sergio Hudson Fall/Winter 2025 Fashion Show, where Keke Palmer turned heads in a cream ensemble, embodying leadership and authority.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 10 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near influence

Cite this Entry

“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on influence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!