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
Cami Fateh, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2026
Analysts say the liberalizing measures reflect both an effort by Caracas to revive production and the growing influence Washington now holds over oil revenues.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
Rita Templeton, Flow Space, 18 Feb. 2026
There should be no artificial preservatives or fillers, nor should ingredients influence the effectiveness of the pill.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for influence
Noun
Nodding to its own influence in the category, the label has released a new capsule collection titled, fittingly, Icons Reborn.
—Cami Fateh, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2026
Analysts say the liberalizing measures reflect both an effort by Caracas to revive production and the growing influence Washington now holds over oil revenues.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
Cortisol influences fat storage and eating behaviors.
—Rita Templeton, Flow Space, 18 Feb. 2026
There should be no artificial preservatives or fillers, nor should ingredients influence the effectiveness of the pill.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for influence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
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And there’s working with people who are not exactly palatable, but who have significant sway in the region—like Dan Gertler, a billionaire Israeli businessman whose name has long been a byword for shady deals in Congo.—
Nicolas Niarchos,
Vanity Fair,
20 Feb. 2026
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Holding sway upstairs are four bedrooms, including a luxe primary suite with a fireplace, balcony, and dual walk-in closets and baths.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Lowenthal has spoken highly of Australia’s similar ban, which went into effect in December and bans accounts for all children under 16 years old.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
18 Feb. 2026
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She was joined by Rocio Rivas and Karla Griego, who each said there had been insufficient analysis on the effect of the cuts and potential alternatives, such as cutting outside contracts.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Nearly 10,000 were affected by the downpours in recent days, including more than 3,200 people who were forced to move to emergency shelters or with relatives, Dayanghirang said.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Across the globe, nations were assessing how the high court’s ruling might affect them.—
Foreign Correspondent,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Bloomberg has reported that regulators also are trying to determine whether Netflix has exerted leverage over creators in negotiations when acquiring programming to build its catalog.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
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While the specific destinations of the carriers have not been publicly disclosed for operational security reasons, their presence alone signals escalatory leverage and deterrence.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
While the consequences of skipping routine medical care may not always be immediate, Muthyala said providers are worried about the downstream impact all of this will have on the health of the community.—
Lauren Mascarenhas,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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Eco effort La Sultana Oualidia’s planet-friendly approach prioritizes a dynamic impact on its local environment without ever feeling showy, and many of their most meaningful initiatives may fly under the radar even for guests.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Of all the new coaching hires, Mike Ekeler impressed me most.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
-
What impresses me most, though, is the convenience factor.—
Adam Hurly,
Robb Report,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The family spent months cooped up in an apartment in the city of Yangon, afraid to go outside and risk discovery by the authorities.—
Nick Woltman,
Twin Cities,
22 Feb. 2026
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Survivors initially recovered three members of their own group before rescuers arrived, authorities said.—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
22 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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