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

The network of large bases that Washington built after the 1991 Gulf War is now vulnerable to Iranian drones and ballistic missiles, offering Tehran targets and leverage rather than deterring it from taking military action. — Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2026

Every week brings word of a new grift, a new meme coin, a Melania doc, a pay-for-access club, or fresh funds from Gulf grandees looking for leverage. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2026

Verb

Wealthy protagonist who has leveraged all his assets at considerable risk? — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026

Ellison and Kreiz emphasized that they’re equally invested in spending on original films as in leveraging that gargantuan stable of IP. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026