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
Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 July 2025
Tom Lehrer, a mathematician and satirist whose musical influence peaked in the 1950s and ’60s with his topical songs, died on Saturday.
—Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 27 July 2025
James McNicholas, New York Times, 29 July 2025
Two of the largest Saudi entities cutting checks to influence American policy are the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, and NEOM, the linear megacity the Arab nation is attempting to build.
—Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Noun
If England can nullify her influence and not allow her time and space on the ball to pick through England’s lines, then England have a solid chance of winning this match.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 July 2025
Tom Lehrer, a mathematician and satirist whose musical influence peaked in the 1950s and ’60s with his topical songs, died on Saturday.
—Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 27 July 2025
Verb
United are still to determine who to pursue, although Ruben Amorim did confirm the Premier League experience of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo influenced their signings.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 29 July 2025
Two of the largest Saudi entities cutting checks to influence American policy are the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, and NEOM, the linear megacity the Arab nation is attempting to build.
—Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
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Corn growers, primarily based in the U.S. Midwest, have long held significant sway in Washington policymaking.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 July 2025
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While advocates have said the change boosts religious organizations' First Amendment rights, others are skeptical about churches having more sway in politics and argue the new rule violates the First Amendment by favoring religious organizations over their secular counterparts.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
Noun
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That uncertainty has left many countries in the dark about how or when new rates would go into effect.—
Danielle Kurtzleben,
NPR,
31 July 2025
-
World Athletics has confirmed that gene testing for female eligibility will come into effect in time for the Tokyo World Championships in September.—
Jessica Hopkins,
New York Times,
31 July 2025
Verb
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That won’t impact students who were already enrolled in their schools, but could affect new and transferring students.—
Rory Linnane,
jsonline.com,
31 July 2025
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Performance was only marginally affected, but the lack of a V8 had altered the vehicle’s character.—
Michael Harley,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
Noun
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Seems like any time an MLB owner seeks leverage in negotiations with a current city, Nashville gets mentioned as a prospective home.—
Gentry Estes,
The Tennessean,
26 July 2025
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This diversification gives India leverage, both at the negotiating table and in navigating global economic shocks.—
Mavis Mook,
CNBC,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
Exceptional leaders understand the far-reaching impact of top performers and seek to meet their needs.—
Kate Wieczorek,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
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In April, the company forecast its organic sales growth (which excludes the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestitures) would climb a meager 2% for the fiscal year ended June 30 - the worst performance since 2018.—
Alexander Coolidge,
The Enquirer,
29 July 2025
Verb
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Among the possibilities for the Heat’s final two-way contract spot is rewarding one of its unsigned summer league standouts or turning to a player who impressed for another summer league team.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
21 July 2025
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During an in-game TV interview Friday when the Magic lost to Dallas, Richardson highlighted Wendell Moore Jr. when the rookie was asked who has impressed throughout summer league.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 July 2025
Noun
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Issuing second offenses for reckless driving has been a point of emphasis for authorities and prosecutors since late 2024, when officials announced new measures to combat reckless driving.—
David Clarey,
jsonline.com,
29 July 2025
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Nine of the stabbings took place in the store, while one occurred in the vestibule and another outside the store, authorities said.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
28 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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