Synonyms of influence

influence 1 of 2

noun

ˈin-ˌflü-ən(t)s 

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

• sway
• leverage
• authority
• importance
• credit
• weight
• clout
• in
• pull
• juice
• impact
• dominance
• heft
• impression
• predominance
• dominion
• sovereignty
• impress
• mastery
• reign
• supremacy
• moment
• counterinfluence
• consequence
• eminence
• imprint
• command
• scepter
• mark

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• weakness
• helplessness
• impotence
• powerlessness
• impotency

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

• effect
• impact
• sway
• consequence
• repercussion
• importance
• prestige
• mark
• domination
• significance
• authority
• dominion
• clout
• mastery
• pull
• weight
• command
• sovereignty
• supremacy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• weakness
• helplessness
• impotence
• powerlessness
• impotency

influence

2 of 2

verb

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

• affect
• impact
• impress
• touch
• strike
• sway
• reach
• interest
• inspire
• tell (on)
• involve
• get to
• move
• bother
• attract
• bias
• entrance
• disturb
• concern
• penetrate
• fascinate
• carry away
• worry
• dazzle
• transport
• engage
• plague
• stir
• trouble
• upset
• try
• distress
• discomfort
• color
• stress
• harass
• charm
• afflict
• enrapture
• pierce
• ravish
• perturb
• enthrall
• smite
• enchant
• disquiet
• agitate
• allure
• captivate
• strain
• wring
• pester
• harry
• fluster
• discompose
• bewitch

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bore
• weary
• pall
• tire
• jade
• underwhelm

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

Recent Examples of influence

Noun

The show became a sci-fi touchstone with vast influence on television and pop culture. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026

Jonathan Demme is a big influence here, inevitably, but Cameron Winter at Carnegie Hall doesn’t bear the slightest resemblance to the latter’s 1984 Talking Heads doc Stop Making Sense. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026

Verb

In 2025, scientists published a study showing that hurricane size appears to be influenced by how warm the ocean water is compared to its usual temperature that time of year. — Zachary Handlos, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026

Ringham said the results may reflect how AI enthusiasm is influencing investors' short-term focus more than their long-term strategy. — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing influence

• under the influence