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 goal of such a system, often used in combination with elections, was to prevent excessive influence and nepotism, and shore up trust in the system of government and those who wielded power through it. — Esther King, The Dial, 15 Sep. 2026

She’s written about the profound influence of actress Shannen Doherty, who died from metastatic breast cancer at age 53 in 2024. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026

Verb

Australia, meanwhile, is in talks to host data centers for OpenAI to train its models, with a view toward Canberra influencing the tech’s global development. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Of course, Šmits’ performance at main camp will influence that decision. — Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing influence

• under the influence