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

As long as the Iran war continues, China’s leverage over oil prices gives it the ability to inflict immense pain on American consumers, and really the entire world, at a moment’s notice. — Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026 Equal tool access doesn’t mean equal proficiency—deliberately spreading high-leverage skills raises everyone’s output, reduces knowledge silos and helps new or quieter voices contribute faster, building a genuinely stronger and more cohesive team. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 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

Hip-hop artist Ron Ron was honored for his long career and influence on the city’s music scene, with fellow Kansas City artists participating in the presentation.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
Trump has long been one of his most valuable campaign assets, and demonstrating continued influence in Washington matters for Netanyahu, who still hopes to host him in Israel for a pre-election visit.

— Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 28 July 2026

Definition of influence

Verb

There’s often debate about whether AI is used by employers to increase productivity among its workforce or cut wage costs, according to Brian Justie, a senior research analyst with the UCLA Labor Center.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
Investigators said Summers was using his phone extensively before the crash, driving 73-75 mph, and tested positive for cocaine and opiates.

— Chadd Cripe. Produced with AI assistance, Idaho Statesman, 30 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

The breaches signal that AI’s expanding capabilities are already fueling the security threat experts long feared and even top developers can be caught off-guard by flaws their models can exploit.

— Reuters, NBC news, 31 July 2026
Raoul has joined lawsuits against both Meta and TikTok, alleging the companies have addictive designs that exploit children.

— Ben Szalinski, CBS News, 31 July 2026

Definition of exploit

Verb

The lawsuit also alleges that Penske and Boehly manipulated and misused California’s nonprofit laws.

— Andrew Dalton, Fortune, 29 July 2026
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has reported that AI training data and inputs are being manipulated and warned that attackers could influence model behavior by corrupting the information AI systems rely upon.

— Syed Ali, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of manipulate

Verb

The woman Morris was convicted of abusing, Cindy Clemishire, has filed a $1 million defamation suit against Morris, the church, former and current elders, and a former church employee in Dallas County.

— Giles Hudson, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
One of them, a shorter, bearded man with a nose reddened and swollen from years of abusing liquor, gave a low whistle.

— Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026

Definition of abuse

Browse Nearby Words

lever

leverage

leveraged

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Leverage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leverage. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of leverage

noun

verb

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