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
Rachel King, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
A great deal of what makes each episode so satisfying is watching Elsbeth and Kaya outwit people who assume that murder charges will be simple to wriggle out of with the application of their overwhelming wealth and influence.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 2 May 2025
Tanya Mohn, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Each phase carries its own unique energy and symbolism, influencing both the natural world and our personal experiences.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Noun
The winery has refined its techniques over four decades to highlight the maritime influence on its vineyards.
—Rachel King, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
A great deal of what makes each episode so satisfying is watching Elsbeth and Kaya outwit people who assume that murder charges will be simple to wriggle out of with the application of their overwhelming wealth and influence.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 2 May 2025
Verb
Her sculptures, made from furniture and influenced by daily life and customs in her hometown, Luanda, examine how intimate spaces become spheres for political consciousness.
—Tanya Mohn, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Each phase carries its own unique energy and symbolism, influencing both the natural world and our personal experiences.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
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At the same time, progressives held sway on issues like housing, where some of the most restrictive zoning in the country kept resident development stalled even as homelessness and encampments spread.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 May 2025
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The reshuffling came after conservative podcast host and influencer Laura Loomer exerted increasing sway on Trump's decision-making, encouraging Trump to fire two senior officials on the National Security Council after a White House visit.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
Noun
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That could lead the Fed to keep rates elevated until the duties – and their effects on consumption, business outlays and hiring – drive unemployment to about 4.7% by next year, the research firm said.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
9 May 2025
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Chip stocks — Semiconductor manufacturers climbed after a Department of Commerce spokesperson confirmed a plan to rescind a set of controls on artificial intelligence chips that were scheduled to go into effect this month.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
8 May 2025
Verb
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Meanwhile, each time the barriers are raised, the lagoon is effectively closed off — which not only affects traffic coming into Venice (Italy’s second busiest port, and the fifth in the Mediterranean), but prevents the lagoon’s natural action of flushing itself out with the tides.—
Julia Buckley,
CNN Money,
4 May 2025
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Naps may also affect you differently with either condition.5 There are two types of narcolepsy with slightly different symptoms, as well.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
3 May 2025
Noun
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Now, Trump is using them as leverage for his larger trade ambitions.—
Andrew R. Chow,
Time,
14 May 2025
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With Flagg on the board, the franchise has flexibility—whether to keep the pick or use it as leverage in a high-value deal.—
Ricardo Klein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
Noun
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The impact, should anything close to this come to pass, would be seismic on the global film sector.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
5 May 2025
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Those positions have a huge impact on race results and finishing chances.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Verb
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The seventh overall draft pick in 2022, the Cubs’ top pitching prospect impressed.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
11 May 2025
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Final Verdict: Comfort That Fits the Way People Live Starting at $688, the Della Mini Split doesn’t aim to impress with extravagance, but by restoring ease to indoor environments.—
Jon Stojan,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
Noun
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An Ohio sheriff's deputy working on a traffic detail near the University of Cincinnati was struck and killed Friday by a vehicle driven by the father of a teenager who was shot and killed by authorities a day earlier, police said.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
3 May 2025
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Then Russian authorities intervened, and my alma mater started unraveling.—
Anastasiia Vorozhtsova,
The Atlantic,
2 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
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