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
-
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
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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
-
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
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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
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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