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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of influences
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 5 Jan. 2026
Hormonal influences are also important, says Reese, particularly because autoimmune diseases disproportionately affect women and often emerge during reproductive years or following major hormonal shifts such as pregnancy.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026
Derla enjoys the chance to provide elevated breakfast and brunch at Fountain Restaurant as well as the bold Nikkei flavors at AJI Bar & Robata, with its Japanese-Peruvian influences.
—Laura Ness, Mercury News, 4 Jan. 2026
This assertion prompts thinking about how geography and topography influences development of economies over time and why apparently similar countries in climate and resources can have quite different economic outcomes.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 4 Jan. 2026
Kary, who cites Sonny Clark and Horace Silver as influences, likes to vary his sets with pop standards, original compositions and some Bebop.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 Jan. 2026
None of us gets to choose our external influences; we are born into them.
—Nicolas Johnson-Smith, Baltimore Sun, 2 Jan. 2026
While wildfires are a natural and necessary part of Earth's cycle, climate change and other more direct human influences have increased their likelihood, research shows.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 31 Dec. 2025
Its serene en suite includes a freestanding tub, steam showers, and floating cabinetry, while the minimalist walk-in closet reflects Italian design influences via rich wood panels and modular components.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 31 Dec. 2025
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
The type of bone used influences the nutritional profile, and prepackaged broths can have added salts or other ingredients.
—Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2026
Dish details the extent to which Disney influences the market.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Another factor that influences absorption is the form of nutrients used in dietary supplements.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Jan. 2026
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Tennessee and New York are all considering or enforcing rules that require disclosure and human review when AI influences utilization review or claims outcomes.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Jan. 2026
One behavior influences many positive outcomes.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 1 Jan. 2026
While the Fed influences short-term interest rates, mortgage rates track longer-term Treasury yields — and the 10-year Treasury, in particular — because those yields reflect investor expectations for inflation, economic growth and overall risk.
—Brendan Dyer, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025
Career officials also alleged ideological hiring within key divisions, including civil rights, cementing a shift that critics say still influences decision-making today.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
While 2025 denim was nearly a carbon copy of 2024—loose fits, Western influences, denim coordinates and minimal distressing—2026 could see an injection of newness.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 5 Jan. 2026
Hormonal influences are also important, says Reese, particularly because autoimmune diseases disproportionately affect women and often emerge during reproductive years or following major hormonal shifts such as pregnancy.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026
Derla enjoys the chance to provide elevated breakfast and brunch at Fountain Restaurant as well as the bold Nikkei flavors at AJI Bar & Robata, with its Japanese-Peruvian influences.
—Laura Ness, Mercury News, 4 Jan. 2026
This assertion prompts thinking about how geography and topography influences development of economies over time and why apparently similar countries in climate and resources can have quite different economic outcomes.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 4 Jan. 2026
Kary, who cites Sonny Clark and Horace Silver as influences, likes to vary his sets with pop standards, original compositions and some Bebop.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 Jan. 2026
None of us gets to choose our external influences; we are born into them.
—Nicolas Johnson-Smith, Baltimore Sun, 2 Jan. 2026
While wildfires are a natural and necessary part of Earth's cycle, climate change and other more direct human influences have increased their likelihood, research shows.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 31 Dec. 2025
Its serene en suite includes a freestanding tub, steam showers, and floating cabinetry, while the minimalist walk-in closet reflects Italian design influences via rich wood panels and modular components.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 31 Dec. 2025
Verb
According to Spark Biomedical, this stimulation regulates the nervous system and influences blood flow.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
The type of bone used influences the nutritional profile, and prepackaged broths can have added salts or other ingredients.
—Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2026
Dish details the extent to which Disney influences the market.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Another factor that influences absorption is the form of nutrients used in dietary supplements.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Jan. 2026
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Tennessee and New York are all considering or enforcing rules that require disclosure and human review when AI influences utilization review or claims outcomes.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Jan. 2026
One behavior influences many positive outcomes.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 1 Jan. 2026
While the Fed influences short-term interest rates, mortgage rates track longer-term Treasury yields — and the 10-year Treasury, in particular — because those yields reflect investor expectations for inflation, economic growth and overall risk.
—Brendan Dyer, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025
Career officials also alleged ideological hiring within key divisions, including civil rights, cementing a shift that critics say still influences decision-making today.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 6 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influences
Noun
-
As well as testing the various systems on board, the crew will be test subjects themselves, helping Nasa understand the effects that space travel has on their cognition, sleep, stress, immune responses and cardiovascular health.—
The Week,
TheWeek,
7 Jan. 2026
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Those qualities align with the ever-growing vintage denim market, and denim mills’ and brands’ quest to recreate worn effects.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Bird flu, a highly contagious airborne respiratory virus, affects poultry — including chickens, ducks and turkeys — and some wild bird species, including geese and shorebirds, the department said.—
Laura Fay,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
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This case involved a program called Family Reunification Parole, or FRP, and affects people from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti and Honduras.—
Michael Casey,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Yeh said that this revenue growth should improve operating leverages on the company’s future expenses, especially as Roku continues to invest in its sales and marketing and research and development.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
16 Dec. 2025
-
The married duo leverages their bicultural expertise — Saucedo worked in China during the co-production boom of the 2010s, while Wang is fully immersed in the Chinese film and TV industry.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
13 Nov. 2025
Noun
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But law enforcement experts told CNN the dragging incident last summer could have affected his decision-making – though how such an experience impacts law enforcement varies from officer to officer.—
Mark Morales,
CNN Money,
10 Jan. 2026
-
According to Reconcept, the system performs especially well in high-stress environments where prolonged mental load impacts performance and recovery.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Set against São Rafael Beach near Albufeira, this reimagined 149-room property impresses with Andrade’s signature style, one that marries whimsy with natural textures.—
Chadner Navarro,
Vogue,
30 Oct. 2025
-
None of these videos impresses.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Communities that are considered sanctuary cities would implement policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.—
DeJanay Booth-Singleton,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Police have arrested a 31-year-old Baltimore man in connection with a fatal hit-and-run in the 2200 block of McCulloh Street, authorities said.—
Luke Parker,
Baltimore Sun,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Everything Martha Stewart touches ultimately ends up with great critical acclaim, and this serum will not be an exception.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Running backs with 300-plus touches the previous season don’t generally repeat that volume the following season.—
Michael Salfino,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Roser also recommends wearing these vests for moves where having weights in your hands is challenging, such as side lunges, side squats, and sumo squats.—
Jessie Quinn,
Flow Space,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Honda will position batteries on the platform around the center of vehicles instead of at the rear, and adjust load-bearing for different vehicle weights using fewer unique parts.—
Daniel Leussink,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Influences.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influences. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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