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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of influence
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
23 June 2026
The brothers were riding bikes in New Jersey on the eve of Katie Gaudreau-Joyce's wedding when they were struck by a driver suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, according to police.
—
Emily Shapiro,
ABC News,
23 June 2026
The Conversation,
24 June 2026
Lee has been suspected of using the church’s regional branches to pressure more than 50,000 followers to join the People Power Party, or PPP, from 2021 to 2024 in hopes of influencing the party’s presidential and legislative primaries.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for influence
Noun
Retviews data shows that orange stands out as one of the season’s fastest-growing shades (up 150 percent year-on-year), driven by its influence on the catwalks of brands such as Chanel, Valentino, Dior, Prada and Loewe.
—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
23 June 2026
The brothers were riding bikes in New Jersey on the eve of Katie Gaudreau-Joyce's wedding when they were struck by a driver suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, according to police.
—
Emily Shapiro,
ABC News,
23 June 2026
Verb
Understanding that process helps demystify the court and reveals how nine unelected justices can shape the meaning of the Constitution and, in turn, influence the everyday lives of millions of Americans.
—
The Conversation,
24 June 2026
Lee has been suspected of using the church’s regional branches to pressure more than 50,000 followers to join the People Power Party, or PPP, from 2021 to 2024 in hopes of influencing the party’s presidential and legislative primaries.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for influence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
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Presidents, too, have more sway over their image with the ability to communicate directly with the public.
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One man now holds unusual sway across rockets, satellites, automobiles, artificial intelligence, a major communications platform and a web of government contracts — influence concentrated in a way that should make any republic pause.
Noun
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Strength training has measurable effects on executive function and processing speed.
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Read more about the effects of heat – and how to keep yourself safe – here.
Verb
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Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
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At least 383 buildings and over 1,000 other structures had collapsed or were heavily affected, and officials were still assessing the damage.
Noun
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Iran is using their ties to the United States as leverage along with control of the Strait of Hormuz.
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The president said that Iran was not in a position to wield such leverage and accused the press of lending Tehran favorable coverage throughout the conflict.
Noun
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Many of the injuries displayed rectangular, band-like and patterned characteristics consistent with impact from a belt-like object, Detective Balders wrote.
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This has fueled debate over their impact on the game, with some viewers complaining about being exposed to commercials during the three-minute stoppages.
Verb
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While the original impressed us with its ability to enhance product absorption and boost radiance, the new Booster Pro X2 doubles down with stronger output, dual-electrode technology, and seven treatment modes designed to improve everything from dull skin to large pores.
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After Cape Verde continued its fairytale run and Spain got back to winning ways yesterday, today’s action involves three superstars who all impressed last week.
Noun
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Last summer, France’s public health authority recorded 1,418 drowning incidents — a 14% rise on the previous year — with deaths among teenagers aged 13 to 17 more than doubling.
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The Altima struck the center median, according to authorities.
Cite this Entry
“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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