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
Relevance
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
Chicago developers and property owners — from major construction firms to homeowners seeking routine zoning changes — will again face delays as a monthslong City Council feud over who should lead the influential Zoning Committee drags into spring.
—
Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Its economy is anchored by some of the world’s most influential companies and a network of universities and institutions that feed the innovation pipeline.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026
This new annual recognition program aims to spotlight 100 of the most innovative and influential brands exclusively from its platforms.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2026
Over five days, Semafor’s flagship live journalism platform will become a real-time stage for the conversations shaping markets, policy, and power, with a continuous run of high-level interviews and discussions featuring the world’s most influential policymakers and executives.
—Rachel Keidan, semafor.com, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for influential
Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Its economy is anchored by some of the world’s most influential companies and a network of universities and institutions that feed the innovation pipeline.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026
This new annual recognition program aims to spotlight 100 of the most innovative and influential brands exclusively from its platforms.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2026
Over five days, Semafor’s flagship live journalism platform will become a real-time stage for the conversations shaping markets, policy, and power, with a continuous run of high-level interviews and discussions featuring the world’s most influential policymakers and executives.
—Rachel Keidan, semafor.com, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for influential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influential
Adjective
-
Baumrind believed parents who were not authoritarian were either authoritative or permissive.—
Kelley King Heyworth,
Parents,
5 Apr. 2026
-
These articles add depth to a brand’s digital footprint and act as authoritative signals when AI tools evaluate credibility.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
More than a half-dozen potential candidates are speaking here to make inroads among Black leaders, one of Democrats' most powerful voting blocs.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
But in the void of space, even the tiny kick of a photon becomes a powerful engine.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But the most important sighting of the mythical Stravinskian fowl might be the revival of Dance Theatre of Harlem’s 1982 version, migrating back to New York for the first time in more than twenty years.—
Hilton Als,
New Yorker,
10 Apr. 2026
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The stat line was never going to be the most important part of Jayson Tatum’s return to Madison Square Garden.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The most significant and widespread threat arrives after dark.—
Ahmad Bajjey,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
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When fully extended, the robot grows from 28 to 50 inches (711 to 1,270 mm) in length, a significant reach for a 110-lb (50-kg) machine that folds down to a size small enough to fit in airline luggage.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Along with being the leading scorer, Punch was one of the best defenders in the Big 12 and formed a dominant duo with Xavier Edmonds.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
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Last year, his game continued to expand as a dominant two-way force who crushed huge minutes to incredible on-ice results and a Memorial Cup win.—
Scott Wheeler,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Snow fell on and off during the day in Clear Creek County's higher elevations, but at the time of the crash a quick burst of heavy accumulation and strong winds led to dangerously slick road conditions.—
Jesse Sarles,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
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Xi said China and Russia need to use closer and stronger strategic collaboration to defend the legitimate interests of both nations and safeguard the unity of Global South countries, the state broadcaster CCTV reported.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Influential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influential. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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