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

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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 organizations getting real leverage from AI tooling are not the cautious ones. — Steve Taplin, Forbes.com, 21 Sep. 2026 The thriller novel by author Lee Child was originally released in 1998, and as the comment suggests, follows Jack Reacher and a politician’s daughter as they are abducted by a radical militia to be used as leverage in political negotiations. — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026

Verb

Whereas they have historically been funneled into hierarchical law firms to spend a couple years billing time around the clock for no profit share, there are already countless more ways for young attorneys to leverage their degrees and skills. — Logan Brown, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026 Several of the researchers who spoke to NBC News said that humans could leverage AI systems to inflict cataclysmic damage well before recursive self-improvement materializes. — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leverage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leverage

Noun

And like Crane, Pavese’s influence is now less felt than remembered.

— Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Although the menu will have similar influences to the flagship restaurant’s, mall diners will find a heavier focus on sandwiches and fresh juices, Mashal said.

— Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of influence

Verb

By using a dedicated promotional code, readers can unlock the full October Prime Day discount immediately, alongside an additional $20 off the sale price.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
Residents were evacuated from 85 homes in the village of Whelford near the base on Sunday, and army bomb-disposal experts used a robot to examine three white vans.

— ALASTAIR GRANT, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of use

Noun

Broadcasters use a part of the public transmission spectrum, which gives the FCC large regulatory sway.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Tehran probably does not hold enough sway over the relatively autonomous Houthis, for instance, to induce that group to end its military action against Saudi Arabia.

— RICHARD HAASS, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of sway

Verb

The last thing that Canada needs is a faction that can be exploited by foes — both foreign and domestic — in an attempt to break up Canada to better control its considerable wealth.

— Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026
Those goals matter because China is building capabilities both to exploit space and to deny it to the United States.

— Mark Montgomery, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of exploit

Verb

Here again, negative energy densities are conceptually valid, but the question of whether humans could ever produce and manipulate them in the ways required to bring Alcubierre's warp drive into reality is another matter entirely.

— Micah Hanks, Space.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Lashify founder Sahara Lotti said his ability to manipulate the brand’s lashes and create different eye shapes first caught her attention through his work with Zendaya.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of manipulate

Verb

Meanwhile, local Church leaders hope the pope's visit will repair the Church's standing after a crushing 2021 report found that some 330,000 French children had been abused by Catholic clergy and lay leaders over seven decades.

— Joshua McElwee, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
An example of warrantless seizure could be a case in which an officer sees a dog being abused and takes the animal.

— Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of abuse

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lever

leverage

leveraged

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Style

“Leverage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leverage. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of leverage

noun

verb

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