influential

adjective

ˌin-(ˌ)flü-ˈen(t)-shəl How to pronounce influential (audio)
Definition of influentialnext
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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of influential She is regularly cited as one of the most influential figures in popular culture of the 21st century. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 8 July 2026 And possibly none were more influential than that of Oklahoma businessman Joe Tippens. — Dannell D. Boatman, The Conversation, 8 July 2026 Tuesday’s vote is a win for Fifield, which has had to go before several city boards for approval before reaching commissioners, including the city’s highly influential Board of Architects and Planning and Zoning Board. — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 8 July 2026 Lionel Messi continues to be the most influential player for Argentina. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for influential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influential
  1. authoritative
  2. powerful
  3. important
  4. significant
  5. dominant
  6. strong
Adjective
  • By separating address grouping, attribution, and operator, the proposal addresses a weakness that has long existed in blockchain analytics; confidence can be mistaken for proof especially given the lack of authoritative auditing standards.
    — Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Your 10th House of Career and Status gets a quiet lift from the Moon, which trines authoritative Saturn in your 2nd House of Finances.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2026
Definition of authoritative
Adjective
  • New York — The stocks that have fueled Wall Street’s powerful AI rally are suddenly under pressure as investors evaluate rising tensions in the Middle East, take profits after a historic run and reassess where to find value.
    — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
  • The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026
Definition of powerful
Adjective
  • This was one of those times as Miami hosted the biggest, most important of the seven World Cup soccer matches South Florida was gifted -- the jewel.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
  • Both are already chairmen of other important committees, though.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 12 July 2026
Definition of important
Adjective
  • That’s reigniting age-old feuds about production quotas that already led the United Arab Emirates, one of OPEC’s most significant members, to leave the group in April.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • It is recommended that any batteries in devices that will be stored for significant periods should undergo a maintenance routine to maintain their health by charging them to half capacity every six months.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • Then Ryan played his part in achieving those goals Sunday, posting a dominant performance in New York.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • The Angels dropped their fifth straight and 11th in 17 games, while Gray’s six-game run of dominant quality starts continues despite an All-Star snub.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of dominant
Adjective
  • Beyond California, scientists are raising alarms over the planet’s warming oceans, which — coupled with a strong El Niño — could increase temperatures for land dwellers in the coming weeks.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Weather aside, Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture Week, running from July 6 to 9, will feature shows from 30 houses, compared with FW25’s 27-strong line-up.
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 6 July 2026
Definition of strong

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Cite this Entry

“Influential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influential. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of influential for Spanish Speakers

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