influence 1 of 2

influence

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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
The design features Mediterranean influences — stone, tall archways, gold metallic mesh draped from the ceiling —and a 33-foot bar area. Connie Ogle july 14, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025 Sports betting operators have no influence over newsroom coverage. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Verb
While speaking to Entertainment Tonight on the red carpet at the Los Angeles premiere of Smurfs on Sunday (July 13), the superstar opened up about how her dad, Ronald Fenty — who died at the age of 70 in May — influenced her own parenting style. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 14 July 2025 Speaking with Vogue India in December 2022, Aryan opened up about his career choice and how his dad and mom influenced him. Katie Mannion, People.com, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for influence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
  • The world's wealthy are seeking cutting-edge retail experiences, but the personal touch of interacting with their favorite luxury stores still holds ultimate sway.
    Forbes Research, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • Motorola, with its back-in-the-pack position and the uncertainty about whether its new Moto X phone would be a hit, had little sway in comparison.
    Verne Kopytoff, Fortune, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • Closures went into effect for select waterways on Sunday, July 12 and, as of July 18, remained in effect until further notice, Linda Veress, a spokesperson for the NPS, told USA TODAY.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 19 July 2025
  • Weather certainly has its effects on mental and emotional health.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • Is There Any Correlation With Peer Earnings? Occasionally, the performance of peers can affect the stock reaction following earnings.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Helps Protect from Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer's disease is a brain disease that affects memory and thinking.
    Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • America has the diplomatic and economic leverage to make, and enforce, such demands.
    Michelle Flowers, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2025
  • Leagues should try using their leverage to demand an end to these kinds of within-game wagers, which seem like a shameless come-on for those who are addiction-prone. .
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Tyler Perry may be best known for creating and starring in the wildly popular Madea franchise, but his impact on Hollywood stretches far beyond the wig and glasses.
    Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 15 July 2025
  • But city leaders do not believe the impacts necessitate declaring a state of emergency, which would redirect city workers to pick up residents’ trash.
    Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Among the possibilities for the Heat’s final two-way contract spot is rewarding one of its unsigned summer league standouts or turning to a player who impressed for another summer league team.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 21 July 2025
  • During an in-game TV interview Friday when the Magic lost to Dallas, Richardson highlighted Wendell Moore Jr. when the rookie was asked who has impressed throughout summer league.
    Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • Saudi authorities originally planned for The Line to house 1.5 million residents by 2030.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • Bell called on two friends and armed himself with an AK-47 rifle, authorities said.
    David Fischer, Sun Sentinel, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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