1
as in sways
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 effects
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 affects
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 influences
Claire Osborn, Austin American Statesman, 28 Feb. 2026
But the show finds a unique voice fast, revealing a sense of humor that is gentler than that of its influences and unusually nuanced in its take on suburban secrets.
—Judy Berman, Time, 27 Feb. 2026
There’s no room to be swayed by any external influences or impressions.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026
Sui-Ren is the hotel’s signature high-end restaurant, focusing on Japanese cuisine with Peruvian influences.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026
The curator points to a mutual interest in mythology, both of the Western Greco-Roman tradition and of Afro-Cuban origins, as well as influences from European and Cuban art shared among the two artists.
—Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
The diversity of influences continued throughout the record and the performances on Monday.
—Peter Larsen, Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
Their influences range from Herbie Hancock to Outkast to Guillermo Scott Herren.
—Deasia Paige, AJC.com, 25 Feb. 2026
That’s the word from drummer Danny Carey, who sat for a free-wheeling chat with Spiral Out Network, covering AI music, his love of the Blade Runner soundtrack, musical influences (the Police’s Stewart Copeland is one), and things to come.
—Lars Brandle, Billboard, 19 Feb. 2026
Sarah M. Boye, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2026
This sensibility influences their coverage of thornier topics, such as tech governance and regulation.
—Diego Lasarte, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026
This allowed astronomers to trace supermassive black hole jets, which could be important in understanding how this injection of energy influences the evolution of host galaxies, while also uncovering some of the largest and oldest radio-bright AGNs, also known as radio galaxies.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 25 Feb. 2026
The 1-year rate serves as the benchmark for most new and outstanding loans, while the 5-year level influences mortgages.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
But just as the culture’s understanding of manhood has shifted, so too have ideas about womanhood—which of course influences the way young women see themselves.
—Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 23 Feb. 2026
Asset spread also influences how plans are made, especially decisions on buying, selling or holding assets.
—Felysha Walker, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Feb. 2026
From Billboard Japan’s perspective as a music media outlet, the conversation also explores how Uketsu engages with music in daily life and how that listening influences his creative work.
—Billboard Japan, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2026
However, that dynamic begins to shift when geopolitical conflict can directly impact the global oil market, which influences consumer prices and business decisions across the globe.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
Grey Orchard Modern American cuisine with Asian influences.
—Claire Osborn, Austin American Statesman, 28 Feb. 2026
But the show finds a unique voice fast, revealing a sense of humor that is gentler than that of its influences and unusually nuanced in its take on suburban secrets.
—Judy Berman, Time, 27 Feb. 2026
There’s no room to be swayed by any external influences or impressions.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026
Sui-Ren is the hotel’s signature high-end restaurant, focusing on Japanese cuisine with Peruvian influences.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026
The curator points to a mutual interest in mythology, both of the Western Greco-Roman tradition and of Afro-Cuban origins, as well as influences from European and Cuban art shared among the two artists.
—Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
The diversity of influences continued throughout the record and the performances on Monday.
—Peter Larsen, Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
Their influences range from Herbie Hancock to Outkast to Guillermo Scott Herren.
—Deasia Paige, AJC.com, 25 Feb. 2026
That’s the word from drummer Danny Carey, who sat for a free-wheeling chat with Spiral Out Network, covering AI music, his love of the Blade Runner soundtrack, musical influences (the Police’s Stewart Copeland is one), and things to come.
—Lars Brandle, Billboard, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
Its design showcased the Mediterranean and Colonial Revival influences common in Reynolds’ work and in Florida school architecture of the 1920s, which emphasized regional forms adapted to climate as well as community use.
—Sarah M. Boye, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2026
This sensibility influences their coverage of thornier topics, such as tech governance and regulation.
—Diego Lasarte, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026
This allowed astronomers to trace supermassive black hole jets, which could be important in understanding how this injection of energy influences the evolution of host galaxies, while also uncovering some of the largest and oldest radio-bright AGNs, also known as radio galaxies.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 25 Feb. 2026
The 1-year rate serves as the benchmark for most new and outstanding loans, while the 5-year level influences mortgages.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
But just as the culture’s understanding of manhood has shifted, so too have ideas about womanhood—which of course influences the way young women see themselves.
—Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 23 Feb. 2026
Asset spread also influences how plans are made, especially decisions on buying, selling or holding assets.
—Felysha Walker, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Feb. 2026
From Billboard Japan’s perspective as a music media outlet, the conversation also explores how Uketsu engages with music in daily life and how that listening influences his creative work.
—Billboard Japan, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2026
However, that dynamic begins to shift when geopolitical conflict can directly impact the global oil market, which influences consumer prices and business decisions across the globe.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influences
Noun
-
Linder, a former teacher, doesn't work anymore due to a host of medical issues — including treatment for a brain tumor and its effects, and Parkinsonism, a neurological disorder that causes Parkinson's-like symptoms.—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
24 Feb. 2026
-
The event will enable children ages 9-12 to explore optical illusions by experimenting with magnifying glasses and mirrors to bend light, create effects and use Oculus Quest VR headsets to brew potions, mix chemistry compounds and conjure creations.—
La Jolla Light,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Our work has documented how lack of access to accurate and affirming identification documents affects the health and well-being of this community.—
Noelle Martin,
The Conversation,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Of course this affects his finances, and his ability to buy a home.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
OneTeam Partners negotiates media deals and leverages players’ name, image and licensing rights.—
David Carrillo Peñaloza,
New York Times,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Vance Joseph’s defense in Denver is often predicated on playing certain leverages within man coverage.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
There are also other key caveats to consider, such as a strong dependence on cloud microphysics (given cloud seeding only works on existing clouds), problems with attribution and potential geopolitical and legal issues regarding downwind impacts, Francis said.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
24 Feb. 2026
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Then, the proposal was based in part on a report authored by five climate contrarians that questioned the threatof climate impacts like wildfires, extreme heat and stronger storms.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN Money,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
What impresses me most, though, is the convenience factor.—
Adam Hurly,
Robb Report,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Performance is where the lens really impresses.—
Tantse Walter,
Space.com,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Iranian authorities warned that a retaliatory response would be crushing.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Colt Gray surrendered to police and has admitted to the shooting, according to authorities.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Less practical were the faux fur and feather touches pluming pumps—try to avoid these when spring showers are on the forecast.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
23 Feb. 2026
-
The United States' tensions with Iran, affordability and the economy, the upcoming high-impact midterm elections and the Supreme Court’s recent rebuke of his tariffs will likely be topics the presidents touches on as well.—
Sarah Beth Hensley,
ABC News,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
According to fitness coach Noam Tamir, CSCS, simply grabbing and holding onto weights challenges and strengthens your hands.—
Danielle Zickl,
Health,
26 Feb. 2026
-
His refinery has minimum purchase weights of 50 ounces for net silver and half an ounce for net gold.—
Roxana Popescu,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Influences.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influences. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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