1
as in authoritative
having power over the minds or behavior of others
in light of the effect that they have had, religious leaders such as Jesus and Muḥammad must be regarded as among the most influential people ever
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in powerful
having great power or influence
a particularly influential politician got the team a new ballpark
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of influential
After spending decades inside one of the most influential bands in music history, what does the future look like for you creatively and musically?
—
Steve Appleford, SPIN, 17 June 2026
Roccuzzo is widely considered one of the most influential and famous WAGs (and soccer moms) in pro soccer.
—Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
The show features timeless works from influential artists whose songs have long served as anthems for social change and perseverance.
—Wcco Staff, CBS News, 17 June 2026
He was also named by The New York Times the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism, and TIME chose him as one of the 25 most influential Americans in 1997.
—Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for influential
Steve Appleford, SPIN, 17 June 2026
Roccuzzo is widely considered one of the most influential and famous WAGs (and soccer moms) in pro soccer.
—Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
The show features timeless works from influential artists whose songs have long served as anthems for social change and perseverance.
—Wcco Staff, CBS News, 17 June 2026
He was also named by The New York Times the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism, and TIME chose him as one of the 25 most influential Americans in 1997.
—Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for influential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influential
Adjective
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That means authoritative profiles, press features in credible outlets, optimized social channels, Wikipedia presence where warranted, video, and review acquisition on the platforms that actually matter for the client's industry.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
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First filmed before the pandemic and launched in its throes, a survivor of the era of streaming wars, corporate consolidation and Hollywood strikes, HBO’s addictively dissolute workplace drama remains as ambitious and authoritative as ever.—
Matt Brennan,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
Adjective
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Labour’s powerful National Executive Committee, which blocked a previous attempt by Burnham to run for parliament, cleared him to stand.—
Clare Sebastian,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
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The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
Adjective
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The Gulf of Masirah was also the most important ASWH habitat.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
19 June 2026
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Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
Adjective
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The heatwave has been significant enough to prompt major fashion houses to accommodate last-minute schedule changes.—
Laure Guilbault,
Vogue,
23 June 2026
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Damaged coating can cause significant problems, leading to violations of ecological regulations and insurers’ biofoul clauses.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
23 June 2026
Adjective
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Clark was at the center of Indiana’s dominant outing, as the two-time All-Star delivered a variety of highlight-reel passes to lead the Fever to their fourth straight win and first victory over the Tempo, who are in their inaugural season.—
James Boyd,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
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The lofty valuation for the company that has become dominant in satellites through its Starlink service and reusable rockets has raised questions about its ambitious growth plans.—
Kai Nicol-Schwarz,
CNBC,
17 June 2026
Adjective
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Projections varied in the weeks leading up to the draft with no real consensus among draft analysts, but in the last 24 hours there were strong indications the Clippers would choose Wagler and the Nets would take Brown.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
24 June 2026
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Your desire for solitude and introspection is strong during today’s Scorpio moon.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
24 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Influential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influential. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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