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
Melina Khan, USA Today, 21 June 2025
Because zoos required global acquisition networks and extensive funds to maintain, building them became an expression of a city’s political and economic influence.
—Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 June 2025
Kristopher Fraser, Robb Report, 20 June 2025
The film even briefly influenced the popularity of shark-killing tournaments after its release, Martin said.
—Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Noun
She was found guilty of operating a vehicle under the influence and sentenced to one year of probation.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 21 June 2025
Because zoos required global acquisition networks and extensive funds to maintain, building them became an expression of a city’s political and economic influence.
—Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 June 2025
Verb
Eight years later, Legend says the popularity of the over-the-top ties is heavily influenced by streetwear.
—Kristopher Fraser, Robb Report, 20 June 2025
The film even briefly influenced the popularity of shark-killing tournaments after its release, Martin said.
—Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
-
The two cases are not identical, as there is no dispute that Drogheda and Silkeborg are controlled by the same owner, whereas Textor has never had that much sway at Palace, but Trivela’s travails demonstrate that UEFA is getting increasingly strict with MCO groups.—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
-
Emmanuel Macron for instance has lost enormous sway in Israel, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.—
Mike O'Sullivan,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Noun
-
Typically, if fire restrictions are in place or a Red Flag Day is in effect, no fireworks of any kind are allowed.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
25 June 2025
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Joe Raedle | Getty Images Economic uncertainty at home or military conflicts overseas -- each taken alone -- would normally have a significant effect on the bond market.—
Diana Olick,
CNBC,
25 June 2025
Verb
-
Boozman’s committee was responsible for drafting legislation affecting nutrition assistance and agriculture programs.—
Alex Thomas,
Arkansas Online,
24 June 2025
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Roberta Kaplan, who represents Carroll, was also asked to defend the high amount of damages the jury awarded Trump, as well as explain to the court why the Supreme Court’s ruling last year giving Trump more immunity from legal liability doesn’t affect this case.—
Alison Durkee,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
In each case, the new teams will look to leverage infrastructure from existing NBA clubs to quickly build lines of revenue.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
1 July 2025
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Make Better Leave And Accommodations Decisions HR teams leverage leave management platforms to make better leave and accommodations decisions while the tech does the heavy lifting.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
This phrase has a clear intent and a violent legacy, and its impact is not theoretical.—
Lisa Katz,
New York Daily News,
22 June 2025
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As the impact of the strikes was still being assessed Sunday, European and Gulf leaders appeared united in calls for diplomacy and restraint, while Iran’s longtime allies, China and Russia, criticized the aerial assault as a gross escalation that could lead to further war.—
Claire Cameron,
semafor.com,
22 June 2025
Verb
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With their grand neo-Renaissance chimneys and imposing chandeliers, the reception rooms were designed to impress.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
28 June 2025
-
Second Round These two heavyweights are not impressing the crowd.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
Noun
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Painful consequences The lower court, looking carefully at the evidence, found that the overall weight of authority supports gender-affirming care for transgender youth.—
Erwin Chemerinsky,
Mercury News,
22 June 2025
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Aircraft Accidents and Disasters USA TODAY At least eight people were killed when a hot air balloon crashed in Brazil, authorities said on June 21.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
21 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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