Synonyms of leverage

leverage 1 of 2

noun

ˈle-və-rij 

as in influence

the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly

lacking much of the leverage it once had, the union is now being forced to make some concessions

Synonyms & Similar Words

• influence
• sway
• clout
• authority
• credit
• pull
• in
• importance
• weight
• juice
• heft
• dominance
• impact
• mastery
• impress
• sovereignty
• moment
• impression
• predominance
• reign
• dominion
• counterinfluence
• consequence
• supremacy
• command
• eminence
• scepter
• imprint
• mark

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• weakness
• helplessness
• impotence
• powerlessness
• impotency

leverage

2 of 2

verb

as in to use

to take unfair advantage of

a reality show contestant who's trying to leverage her 15 minutes of fame

Synonyms & Similar Words

• use
• exploit
• manipulate
• abuse
• play (on or upon)
• impose (on or upon)
• walk on
• pimp
• capitalize (on)
• cash in (on)
• trade on
• milk
• work
• cheat
• mistreat
• stick
• commercialize
• overcharge
• jerk around
• soak
• bleed
• skin
• fleece
• commodify

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of leverage

Noun

Democrats have little leverage in Washington right now, relegated to the minority in both the House and Senate. —Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 25 Jan. 2026

Treat income as the leverage point The return on improving your skills, expanding your scope, building new earning streams, or stepping into higher-impact roles dwarfs the difference between a 6% or 8% market return. —Sahil Bloom, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2026

Verb

None of the usual admonitions against leveraging tragedy for political purposes. —Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026

These advances can be leveraged for defense as well, and can create a force multiplier in conflict environments. —Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026