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
Carole Horst, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025
The study combined biometric tracking (heart rate variability), behavioral analytics (clicks, session time, return rate) and cognitive interviews to assess how product experiences influence user engagement and emotional response.
—Olya Osokina, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for influence
Noun
A lot of different influences shaped this new music.
—Carole Horst, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025
The study combined biometric tracking (heart rate variability), behavioral analytics (clicks, session time, return rate) and cognitive interviews to assess how product experiences influence user engagement and emotional response.
—Olya Osokina, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 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
See All Example Sentences for influence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
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For decades, that picture held sway, but slight discrepancies between those different methods of measuring the Universe appeared and remained, becoming very significant here in the 2020s.—
Ethan Siegel,
Big Think,
29 Aug. 2025
-
The new board member could have some sway over the outcome of the budget vote.—
Nell Salzman,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
With support from the ADG Community Journalism Project, LEARNS reporter Josh Snyder covers the impact of the law on the K-12 education system across the state, and its effect on teachers, students, parents and communities.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Unlike other provisions in the Alien and Sedition Acts, which expired or were repealed, the Alien Enemies Act remains in effect today.—
Robert Birsel
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The law currently gives prosecutors too much leverage in the courtroom and pressures defendants to take a plea deal over defending themselves at trial, Preston said.—
Quinlan Bentley,
The Enquirer,
3 Sep. 2025
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The team acquired 2024 All-Star Mason Miller from the Athletics at the July 31 trade deadline, and besides Suarez and Morejon, young pitchers Jeremiah Estrada and David Morgan have also served as higher-leverage options.—
Dennis Lin,
New York Times,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Meridian City Council wrestled with worries about the project’s impact on traffic and school enrollment, but ultimately greenlit the development without taking the Idaho Transportation Department’s recommendation that a new regional traffic study be done.—
Marcus Dorsey,
Idaho Statesman,
23 Aug. 2025
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Studies have shown many of the treatment options are generally safe and that care can have a positive impact on mental health, which psychotherapy alone cannot provide, some experts said.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
23 Aug. 2025
Verb
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But as the Chiefs confront the Chargers and a defense that in 2024 led the NFL in fewest points allowed — a unit spearheaded by potent edge rushers Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipuotu — all eyes will be on the rookie left tackle who has done nothing but impress thus far.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
2 Sep. 2025
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Pictured above, Schnabel, famously no longer impressed by much, clearly thought the moment — and the instant barometric-pressure reading that the sale provided him of his powers of attraction — was worth raising the eyebrows.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Daniel Salgado embraced his 3-year-old son after speaking about the loss of the boy’s mother, Yarely Ashley Hermosillo, to a shooting authorities said stemmed from a road rage incident the family were innocent bystanders to.—
Jose R. Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
22 Aug. 2025
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The Federal Reserve Act provides no authority for a Fed chair to remove another member of the Board of Governors.—
Ann Saphir,
Freep.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.
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