influence 1 of 2

influence

2 of 2

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
Lenox is the chef’s expression of his connection to this city, a unique melding of influences and ingredients that sings in his hands. The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025 The multi-course tasting-menu experience will take guests through all parts of Korean fine dining—with touches of global influences—in an immersive experience, using seasonal ingredients and pieces of both land and sea as part of its offerings. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
Made viral by TikTok user Robyn Delmonte, the red-nail theory works similar to the manifestation manicure, in which wearing certain nail polish colors can help influence your future. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 11 Sep. 2025 While topography will continue to influence fire spread, spotting potential and overall fire intensity are anticipated to decrease. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for influence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
  • Traditionally, conservative parties held sway in Bangkok and Thailand’s south, while Thaksin’s heartland was the rural though populous rice-growing northeast.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Getting that crowd of Hollywood actors, supermodels, fashion designers and athletes in the same room for a group photo was a feat of complex calendar logistics requiring diplomacy and considerable industry sway.
    Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But what was the effect of that?
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • This innovative installation may hold one of the keys to accelerating a transition away from fossil fuels that scientists say is necessary if the world is to avoid the worst effects of climate change.
    Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But between private-jet flights to Spain and shopping sprees on Rodeo Drive, these women still deal with problems that affect millions of women worldwide.
    Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • It was especially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with periods of significant losses followed by a notable recovery in profitability driven by cost-cutting and a transition to franchising.
    Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Another example is msg Global Solutions AG, whose Greenwashing Detector solution leverages generative AI to validate reports and detect potential greenwashing.
    Sophia Mendelsohn, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The global energy transition is forging ahead, fracturing old trade alliances and generating new forms of geopolitical leverage that all companies need to be more attuned to, JPMorgan believes.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • More generally, the Nepalese public criticized the government’s measures disproportionate impact on ordinary users.
    Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The psychological impact of this shift cannot be overstated.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Paired with returning pro Mark Ballas, Leavitt impressed the judges with her poise and performance.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • After opening eyes in 7-on-7 competition over the summer, the senior has impressed Gambrell with his leadership.
    Dan Albano, Oc Register, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • His father, a hard-working Russian immigrant and patriotic US bomber pilot, taught him to respect authority.
    Martine Paris, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Under applicable law, judges are only expected to vacate an arbitration award in narrow circumstances, such as when the award is procured by fraud or when the arbitrator exceeded their contractual authority.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on influence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!