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
• moment
• supremacy
• counterinfluence
• consequence
• eminence
• imprint
• command
• sovranty
• 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
• prestige
• importance
• clout
• mark
• domination
• significance
• authority
• dominion
• mastery
• pull
• weight
• command
• supremacy
• sovereignty
• sovranty

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
• distress
• try
• discomfort
• color
• stress
• harass
• enthral
• afflict
• charm
• enrapture
• pierce
• ravish
• perturb
• enthrall
• enchant
• smite
• disquiet
• agitate
• allure
• captivate
• strain
• wring
• pester
• fluster
• harry
• 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

Now, government ethics experts and Democratic lawmakers are criticizing the family’s venture, citing potential conflicts of interest stemming from the Trumps’ regulatory influence and possible insider transactions. —semafor.com, 5 Sep. 2025

The designer expanded his Villa Flower and Villa Serena to make room for plenty of guests, and to implement his signature restrained style while staying true to the island influences of the locale. —Rachel Wallace, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2025

Verb

But the authors themselves wrote in the study that their findings are correlations and may be influenced by participants’ personal issues or their reasons for taking antidepressants in the first place. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025

The move influenced similar reforms at other international festivals and established Berlin’s reputation for progressive industry practices. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025

Phrases Containing influence

• under the influence