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
Clayton Davis, Variety, 28 May 2025
Last month, Carey was notably shut out of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame despite her tangible and lasting cross-genre influence on music.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2025
Beren Cross, New York Times, 29 May 2025
The Testaments sequel novel, which published in 2019, influenced how series creator Bruce Miller and co-showrunners Eric Tuchman and Yahlin Chang could end the series: The show couldn’t end with June getting Hannah back, because Hannah is still in Gilead in The Testaments.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Noun
Is it determined by screen time, emotional depth, narrative significance or simply industry influence?
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 28 May 2025
Last month, Carey was notably shut out of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame despite her tangible and lasting cross-genre influence on music.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2025
Verb
Players who have successfully kept clubs up over the last few years have been profiled, and Leeds will be influenced by their findings.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 29 May 2025
The Testaments sequel novel, which published in 2019, influenced how series creator Bruce Miller and co-showrunners Eric Tuchman and Yahlin Chang could end the series: The show couldn’t end with June getting Hannah back, because Hannah is still in Gilead in The Testaments.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
-
Koo Min Gyo, a professor at Seoul National University’s Graduate School of Public Administration, expects Mr. Lee to use his party’s sway over the different branches of government to extend his power, while diminishing and stifling his critics.—
Ann Scott Tyson,
Christian Science Monitor,
4 June 2025
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Yet all along, the defense establishment plan competed with a different vision promoted by radical right-wing parties that hold sway in the government.—
Assaf Orion,
Foreign Affairs,
3 June 2025
Noun
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This warning is in effect until 6 p.m. How to react when facing a lightning hazard?—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
1 June 2025
-
In effect, a millionaire pays a smaller share of their income into Social Security than a middle-class teacher or nurse.—
Teresa Ghilarducci,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
Verb
-
Some have said that the dollar’s reserve currency status may be affected, perhaps diminished somewhat – which would have many ramifications, including a rise in the cost to the U.S. for financing its deficits.—
George Calhoun,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
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Not only do the tariffs affect the suppliers of brands like Princess Polly, but the market could also affect how viewers perceive these hauls.—
Lauren Green,
The Washington Examiner,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
President Trump has also declared an end to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives within the federal government, and his administration is using federal funds as leverage to force local governments, universities and public school districts to do the same.—
Mark Vancleave,
Los Angeles Times,
25 May 2025
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While other countries may not have the leverage China has, the EU appears to be willing to challenge Trump's terms, and that could be bad for tech companies who are already embattled in the EU due to strict digital laws monitoring online privacy and competition.—
Ashley Belanger – May 23,
ArsTechnica,
23 May 2025
Noun
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AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told Newsweek the most obvious impact from the smoke would be hazy skies, which could contribute to visually beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the affected areas.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
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The turtle is reportedly doing fine and the golf ball impact doesn’t seem to have caused long-term consequences besides a pretty unique scar.—
Margherita Bassi,
Popular Science,
29 May 2025
Verb
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With a home this special, of course, the primary suite — with its two levels and four rooms — would also be designed to impress.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
4 June 2025
-
Harrison impressed in that performance, submitting former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm by submission in the second round at UFC 400.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
The motive for the attacks was not disclosed by authorities.—
Kate Linderman,
Kansas City Star,
29 May 2025
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Speaking at a press briefing in 2022, Chen Lei, an inspector from Xinjiang’s Rural Revitalization Bureau, indicated that the authorities aimed to increase the number of workers moved to other parts of China by a third in 2023 to more than 38,000, according to a government report posted online.—
David Pierson,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
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