LEVERAGE Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

leverage 1 of 2

noun

ˈle-və-rij

Definition of leverage

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

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

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 leverage

Noun

The states allege that the merger will give Nexstar undue leverage in retransmission negotiations with cable and satellite distributors, leading to higher consumer prices. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 22 July 2026 Hornbill is the one to reach for when grip, leverage, and a stronger sense of control matter more. — New Atlas, 21 July 2026

Verb

Companies and institutions must intentionally leverage AI to enhance human relationships, mentorship, and care, ensuring efficiency serves dignity and purpose, not just output. — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 By leveraging its intellectual property, Playboy pursues an asset-light model across licensing, digital content, consumer products and experiential offerings. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for leverage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leverage

Noun

The city and nearby Miami Beach are both known for its airy and colorful Mediterranean Revival styles, Caribbean influence and tropical take on Art Deco, but skyscrapers do not have a long history within the city.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Public investors receive a minority interest with limited influence and no certainty about when the controlling owner will eventually sell.

— Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of influence

Verb

Concerned that the programs’ growing sophistication could induce emotional dependency and addiction, China last week banned minors from using AI companions and imposed additional requirements on platforms to prevent misuse.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
The man originally did not take responsibility, but the Sheriff’s Office later identified his vehicle using Flock camera footage and video from a homeowner’s private camera.

— Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 23 July 2026

Definition of use

Noun

By the mid-nineteenth century the Hawaiian throne, and the British, were both losing power as the growing cartel of US plantation bosses aggressively sought sway.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 July 2026
Aside from securing more than $1 billion in new funding for public transit, the state’s new landmark mass transit law centralizes planning, budgeting and service standards across the agencies and gives Preckwinkle more sway in their decision-making.

— A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2026

Definition of sway

Verb

Indeed, antisemitisms prove that a society can hold contradictory images simultaneously, such as the fact that the Jews are both anarchists out to destroy capitalism as well as capitalists out to exploit the working class.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026
And politicians are rushing to acknowledge (or exploit) those fears.

— Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026

Definition of exploit

Verb

Federal prosecutors said the recruitment system helped Epstein abuse hundreds of victims over decades, while some recruiters later said they had themselves been manipulated, exploited or coerced by Epstein into participating.

— Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Known as nitrogen-vacancy centers, these atomic-scale structures allow the system to manipulate electron and nuclear spins without needing liquid helium or high-vacuum environments.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026

Definition of manipulate

Verb

When Platner arrived, the place seemed haunted not only by American misconduct but also by Saddam Hussein’s use of it to imprison and abuse political dissidents during his reign.

— Jasper Craven, New Yorker, 24 July 2026
To overturn the trial court's decision would require an appellate court to find that the trial court abused its discretion ― which is a very high bar to hurdle.

— Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of abuse

Browse Nearby Words

lever

leverage

leveraged

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Style

“Leverage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leverage. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of leverage

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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