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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of influence
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
23 June 2026
The brothers were riding bikes in New Jersey on the eve of Katie Gaudreau-Joyce's wedding when they were struck by a driver suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, according to police.
—
Emily Shapiro,
ABC News,
23 June 2026
The Conversation,
24 June 2026
Lee has been suspected of using the church’s regional branches to pressure more than 50,000 followers to join the People Power Party, or PPP, from 2021 to 2024 in hopes of influencing the party’s presidential and legislative primaries.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for influence
Noun
Retviews data shows that orange stands out as one of the season’s fastest-growing shades (up 150 percent year-on-year), driven by its influence on the catwalks of brands such as Chanel, Valentino, Dior, Prada and Loewe.
—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
23 June 2026
The brothers were riding bikes in New Jersey on the eve of Katie Gaudreau-Joyce's wedding when they were struck by a driver suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, according to police.
—
Emily Shapiro,
ABC News,
23 June 2026
Verb
Understanding that process helps demystify the court and reveals how nine unelected justices can shape the meaning of the Constitution and, in turn, influence the everyday lives of millions of Americans.
—
The Conversation,
24 June 2026
Lee has been suspected of using the church’s regional branches to pressure more than 50,000 followers to join the People Power Party, or PPP, from 2021 to 2024 in hopes of influencing the party’s presidential and legislative primaries.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for influence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
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The rhythm section is downright molten, an understated, earthy sway beneath Davis’ soaring melodies.
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Movement through this passage promotes concerns that the Persian Gulf Strait Authority still holds sway in the movement of vessels throughout the strait.
Noun
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Strength training has measurable effects on executive function and processing speed.
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Read more about the effects of heat – and how to keep yourself safe – here.
Verb
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The change quickly affected players.
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Today’s food environment and gaps in health education affect children across the socioeconomic spectrum.
Noun
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Iran is using their ties to the United States as leverage along with control of the Strait of Hormuz.
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The president said that Iran was not in a position to wield such leverage and accused the press of lending Tehran favorable coverage throughout the conflict.
Noun
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Many of the injuries displayed rectangular, band-like and patterned characteristics consistent with impact from a belt-like object, Detective Balders wrote.
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This has fueled debate over their impact on the game, with some viewers complaining about being exposed to commercials during the three-minute stoppages.
Verb
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While the original impressed us with its ability to enhance product absorption and boost radiance, the new Booster Pro X2 doubles down with stronger output, dual-electrode technology, and seven treatment modes designed to improve everything from dull skin to large pores.
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After Cape Verde continued its fairytale run and Spain got back to winning ways yesterday, today’s action involves three superstars who all impressed last week.
Noun
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Six people – including two children – were killed and another child was hospitalized after a fiery head‑on collision Saturday between Bynum and Malone in Hill County, authorities said.
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Lexington Police Department Moore’s body was found Wednesday afternoon near a gym that she was seen leaving on June 11 in Lexington, a city of roughly 23,000 west of Columbia, authorities said.
Cite this Entry
“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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