1
as in sway
the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly
a mayor who doesn't hesitate to use her influence to get business leaders behind civic improvements
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in effect
the power to bring about a result on another
the basic premise of astrology is that the position of the stars has an influence on human affairs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to affect
to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response
the news reports of the devastating flood influenced a great many people to make contributions for food and supplies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of influence
Daria Rudnik, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
The fatwa has enormous influence, as Egypt has long been regarded as a major center of Islamic scholarship and religious authority in the Muslim world.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 26 May 2026
Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2026
McPherson, Maskin, and lead singer Katie Gavin sat down at the Rolling Stone Studio in New York and shared the plans behind their upcoming live shows, how their time on the Eras Tour influenced some of their setlist goals, and how the past four years shaped their latest release.
—Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for influence
Noun
This influence persists even when AI is no longer in the room.
—Daria Rudnik, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
The fatwa has enormous influence, as Egypt has long been regarded as a major center of Islamic scholarship and religious authority in the Muslim world.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 26 May 2026
Verb
The campaign said there weren’t any previous questions that preceded that question that could influence how people answered, other than the wording of that particular question.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2026
McPherson, Maskin, and lead singer Katie Gavin sat down at the Rolling Stone Studio in New York and shared the plans behind their upcoming live shows, how their time on the Eras Tour influenced some of their setlist goals, and how the past four years shaped their latest release.
—Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for influence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
-
Monetary policy decisions are made by a committee of 12 FOMC members, and while the chair usually has considerable sway, Warsh would need to persuade panel members of the immediate need for rate cuts.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
26 May 2026
-
Singapore is a global financial hub with particular sway across Southeast Asia, and global financial institutions use the city as a home base for their operations in the region.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
Having catalogued the Black Death’s horrifying effects, Ibn Khatima went on to outline a series of preventative measures and active treatments designed to combat this merciless scourge.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 May 2026
-
Greenwashing has long been a problem in the apparel industry, but with new sustainability regulations going into effect in Europe and elsewhere, brands will have to back up their green claims or face fines and other consequences.—
Jennifer Bringle,
Footwear News,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
Arkansas coach Courtney Deifel was asked if her team’s 5-3 loss to Nebraska in 10 innings the night before affected the outcome of Friday’s game.—
Tim Willert,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
Blue Origin’s mishap will inevitably affect the company’s capabilities for other NASA missions, too.—
Lee Billings,
Scientific American,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Ultimately, reopening the Strait of Hormuz remains the only lasting solution, though even that would take time to normalize markets, Currie said, arguing that shrinking global inventories are also strengthening Iran’s leverage in ongoing negotiations.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
25 May 2026
-
For small businesses caught in the middle, deeper dependence on Amazon’s logistics means rising fees, with no leverage to push back.—
Patrick van Esch,
The Conversation,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
And yet, each is playing with desperation to make an impact — and garner more playing time — that has jolted the Red Sox to life.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
-
Even visitors with little interest in architecture can understand the impact immediately.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
It’s been her developmental potential, paired with a veteran’s on-court demeanor, that has impressed her new teammates so far.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
26 May 2026
-
Here’s a look at six unheralded players battling to impress the Panthers after bouncing around the league a bit.—
Mike Kaye
May 25,
Charlotte Observer,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
According to authorities, a group of individuals attempted to storm a police station in the French capital late Saturday.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
-
New Hampshire authorities are asking for the public’s help in solving a four-decade long murder mystery.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.
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