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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of leverage
Callum McLennan, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
House conservatives have vented their own frustration with Senate Republicans for agreeing to split off Department of Homeland Security funding from funding for other departments, arguing that decision has given Democrats more leverage in the standoff over ICE.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2026
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
This money could help address that by leveraging the money from this bond to build new affordable housing both for rent and purchase.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leverage
Noun
But as commissioning slows and risk tightens, creators who can build and sustain their own audiences and retain control of their IP are gaining leverage.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
House conservatives have vented their own frustration with Senate Republicans for agreeing to split off Department of Homeland Security funding from funding for other departments, arguing that decision has given Democrats more leverage in the standoff over ICE.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
Buy early, accumulate equity, leverage it into something bigger.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
This money could help address that by leveraging the money from this bond to build new affordable housing both for rent and purchase.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leverage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leverage
Noun
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Much of this influence played a role in what would become the dialect of the South more generally as Scots Irish settlers and their descendants spread into the backcountry of the Upper and, a bit later, the Lowland South.—
Valerie Fridland,
Big Think,
21 Apr. 2026
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South Korea‘s influence internationally continues to boom, as K-pop drives youth music tastes and shows such as Squid Game deliver outsized results for the likes of Netflix.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Jaguars used their first pick of the NFL draft to land the blocking tight end Friday night, grabbing him in the second round with the 56th selection.—
Mark Long,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
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The department’s news release about the fire included a reminder for drivers to use caution when pulling over near dry grass or vegetation.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In Christian America, evangelical conservatives have held sway for decades.—
Elizabeth Bruenig,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The rise of Bernie Sanders’ preferred Senate candidate in Michigan is frustrating moderates, delighting progressives, and testing the sway of Democratic leaders in a race that will likely determine the party’s shot at a Senate majority.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Vanessa Beecroft was a canary in the coal mine, merging, subverting, and exploiting art, fashion, money, and spectacle.—
Jerry Saltz,
Vulture,
20 Apr. 2026
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The Rays’ way also has led some teams to adjust their positioning, which can open up other holes to be exploited.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But there is a point where the prediction shapes and manipulates the actual outcome.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
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Bronze Age symbolizes a time of change Bronze, a raw material, was skillfully manipulated to create objects that not only carried weight but also meaning.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Federal Trade Commission, 18 states and Puerto Rico have accused the company of abusing its market position to inflate prices on other online retail platforms, overcharge sellers and stifle competition.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Apr. 2026
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The foster parents and their adult daughter pleaded guilty to abusing children in their care.—
Zoey Lyttle,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Leverage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leverage. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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