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 effective closure of the strait gave Iran economic leverage over the United States and its Gulf state allies, closing off 13 million barrels of oil supply to the global economy. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026

In their view, both sides will use this time to shore up their weaknesses, seek new sources of leverage, and prepare for a future confrontation. — Da Wei, Foreign Affairs, 7 Sep. 2026

Verb

Bortun points out that when a far-right candidate ran for president two years ago and attempted to leverage these frustrations to get elected, Stan recorded a video message to Romanians asking them to vote for a different candidate. — Madeline Leung Coleman, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026

Here are a few ways investors can better leverage the knowledge, experience and resources their brokers have to offer. — Lee Kiser, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026