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
Rachel King, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
A great deal of what makes each episode so satisfying is watching Elsbeth and Kaya outwit people who assume that murder charges will be simple to wriggle out of with the application of their overwhelming wealth and influence.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 2 May 2025
Tanya Mohn, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Each phase carries its own unique energy and symbolism, influencing both the natural world and our personal experiences.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Noun
The winery has refined its techniques over four decades to highlight the maritime influence on its vineyards.
—Rachel King, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
A great deal of what makes each episode so satisfying is watching Elsbeth and Kaya outwit people who assume that murder charges will be simple to wriggle out of with the application of their overwhelming wealth and influence.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 2 May 2025
Verb
Her sculptures, made from furniture and influenced by daily life and customs in her hometown, Luanda, examine how intimate spaces become spheres for political consciousness.
—Tanya Mohn, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Each phase carries its own unique energy and symbolism, influencing both the natural world and our personal experiences.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
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Sometimes international relations fell under the sway of a powerful hegemon—or of outright imperialism, where a single state, such as Rome, or an outside invader, such as the Ottoman empire, dominated its neighbors and provided them with security.—
Margaret MacMillan,
The Atlantic,
30 Apr. 2025
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At one point in the play, young, brainwashed Henry, under the villainous Brenner’s sway, can only surrender to the dark magic.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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That could lead the Fed to keep rates elevated until the duties – and their effects on consumption, business outlays and hiring – drive unemployment to about 4.7% by next year, the research firm said.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
9 May 2025
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This means selecting visual effects, audio genres and voice tones that complement rather than detract.—
Pierre Narchi,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
Verb
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Meanwhile, each time the barriers are raised, the lagoon is effectively closed off — which not only affects traffic coming into Venice (Italy’s second busiest port, and the fifth in the Mediterranean), but prevents the lagoon’s natural action of flushing itself out with the tides.—
Julia Buckley,
CNN Money,
4 May 2025
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Naps may also affect you differently with either condition.5 There are two types of narcolepsy with slightly different symptoms, as well.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
3 May 2025
Noun
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Only with Russia does Trump seem willing to forgo the leverage of America’s economic might and welcome a rogue regime into the ranks of normal nations.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
1 May 2025
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The current administration may be bluffing when high-percentage tariffs are announced, but many automakers lack the leverage to risk another round at the poker table. Need a break?—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The impact, should anything close to this come to pass, would be seismic on the global film sector.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
5 May 2025
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Compared to men, women may experience a less significant impact on their lifestyle and relationships.12 Similarities Beyond sharing some symptoms, hypersomnia and narcolepsy have several similarities, including in diagnosis and management.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
3 May 2025
Verb
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My test scores were at the top of the class, my presentations were spot on and my analytical skills impressed the evaluators.—
Aslak de Silva,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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David looked up to his older brother, impressed by his smarts and sense of independence, and wanted to be like him.—
Serge F. Kovaleski,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
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An Ohio sheriff's deputy working on a traffic detail near the University of Cincinnati was struck and killed Friday by a vehicle driven by the father of a teenager who was shot and killed by authorities a day earlier, police said.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
3 May 2025
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In recent years, the crabs have also been spreading across the United Kingdom, where authorities are experimenting with traps to prevent them from migrating to downstream breeding grounds.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
2 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 14 May. 2025.
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