influence 1 of 2

influence

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word influence distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of influence are authority, credit, prestige, and weight. While all these words mean "power exerted over the minds or behavior of others," influence may apply to a force exercised and received consciously or unconsciously.

used her influence to get the bill passed

When can authority be used instead of influence?

While in some cases nearly identical to influence, authority implies the power of winning devotion or allegiance or of compelling acceptance and belief.

his opinions lacked authority

When might credit be a better fit than influence?

The words credit and influence can be used in similar contexts, but credit suggests influence that arises from the confidence of others.

his credit with the press

Where would prestige be a reasonable alternative to influence?

The synonyms prestige and influence are sometimes interchangeable, but prestige implies the ascendancy given by conspicuous excellence or reputation for superiority.

the prestige of the newspaper

When could weight be used to replace influence?

In some situations, the words weight and influence are roughly equivalent. However, weight implies measurable or decisive influence in determining acts or choices.

their wishes obviously carried much weight

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of 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
  • As the first American pope, Leo XIV could holds symbolic and substantive sway in how U.S. Catholics interpret the intersection of faith and governance.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
  • Bhattacharya’s sway, too, is likely to expand far past his own agency.
    Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • The alert is in effect until 4:45 p.m. The storms may bring wind gusts of up to 40 mph and penny-sized hail (0.75 inches).
    Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 1 June 2025
  • The alert is in effect until 4:45 p.m. The storms are packing penny-sized hail (0.75 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
    Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 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
  • Young boys’ development seems to have been particularly affected.
    Claire Cain Miller, New York Times, 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
  • 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
  • Much like The Ghost of Tom Joad, several songs on Inyo were inspired by the impact of border crossings on families in Mexico and the United States.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 29 May 2025
  • Topline Best Buy on Thursday lowered full-year forecasts for profits and sales for the retailer’s fiscal year 2026, citing likely impacts of tariffs on business, becoming the latest company to flag concerns and cut projections, citing uncertainty over U.S. tariffs.
    Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Turns out, Americans are willing to spend big to impress a match—$125 on average!
    Alex Backus, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
  • Here’s how to impress hiring managers without sacrificing authenticity.
    Andrew Fennell, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • An Agoura Hills home displaying a Palestinian flag was attacked in a hate crime, authorities say.
    Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • The motive for the attacks was not disclosed by authorities.
    Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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