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
Melina Khan, USA Today, 21 June 2025
Because zoos required global acquisition networks and extensive funds to maintain, building them became an expression of a city’s political and economic influence.
—Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 June 2025
Kristopher Fraser, Robb Report, 20 June 2025
The film even briefly influenced the popularity of shark-killing tournaments after its release, Martin said.
—Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Noun
She was found guilty of operating a vehicle under the influence and sentenced to one year of probation.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 21 June 2025
Because zoos required global acquisition networks and extensive funds to maintain, building them became an expression of a city’s political and economic influence.
—Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 June 2025
Verb
Eight years later, Legend says the popularity of the over-the-top ties is heavily influenced by streetwear.
—Kristopher Fraser, Robb Report, 20 June 2025
The film even briefly influenced the popularity of shark-killing tournaments after its release, Martin said.
—Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
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Technology leaders who report to the CEO are more likely to have greater sway in vital digital era strategic and operational decisions.—
Noah Barsky,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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Salam also promised to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces, as a means to assert the state’s authority in a place that for years had been under the sway of Hezbollah.—
Rania Abouzeid,
New Yorker,
2 June 2025
Noun
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Adding more high-skilled immigrants every year instead of just a one-time increase would have a larger effect.—
Adam A. Millsap,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
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However, despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of physicians have the best of intentions, these new rules will have a chilling effect on both veterans seeking health care and providers caring for them.—
Flavia Mangan Colgan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 June 2025
Verb
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Boozman’s committee was responsible for drafting legislation affecting nutrition assistance and agriculture programs.—
Alex Thomas,
Arkansas Online,
24 June 2025
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The layoffs will happen Aug. 22 and only affect part of LPL’s San Diego workforce.—
Roxana Popescu,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
Yet even adaptive leadership has limits without leverage.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
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Trump’s strategy — supporting Israeli capabilities while maintaining American strategic flexibility — consistently puts America first by using US strength and leverage while keeping allies close.—
Jason D. Greenblatt,
semafor.com,
18 June 2025
Noun
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As the impact of the strikes was still being assessed Sunday, European and Gulf leaders appeared united in calls for diplomacy and restraint, while Iran’s longtime allies, China and Russia, criticized the aerial assault as a gross escalation that could lead to further war.—
Claire Cameron,
semafor.com,
22 June 2025
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This phrase has a clear intent and a violent legacy, and its impact is not theoretical.—
Lisa Katz,
New York Daily News,
22 June 2025
Verb
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The ballpark, which completed $45 million in renovations in 2024, still impressed DeMartini a few days into his tenure.—
Charlotte Varnes,
New York Times,
16 June 2025
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Halfway through Trump’s first year in office, his aides sought to impress on him the value of the United States’ global position.—
Daniel Immerwahr,
New Yorker,
16 June 2025
Noun
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Painful consequences The lower court, looking carefully at the evidence, found that the overall weight of authority supports gender-affirming care for transgender youth.—
Erwin Chemerinsky,
Mercury News,
22 June 2025
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Aircraft Accidents and Disasters USA TODAY At least eight people were killed when a hot air balloon crashed in Brazil, authorities said on June 21.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
21 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.
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